Black

Interview with Black
By Zeeshan


Nobody reading this piece probably needs an introduction to Black. Arguably the most popular band in Bangladesh now, Black's creative compositions, unique style and electrifying live performances catapulted them from underground obscurity to superstardom. But just when the future was looking bright and the fans were expecting even greater stuff from them, fate intervened. On the night of April 20 this year, on their way back to Dhaka from Chittagong, Black suffered the most terrible accident of their lives. The accident caused the death of reputed sound engineer and band musician Imran Ahmed Mobin, as well as severe injuries to Black's bassist Meraj and drummer Tony.

They say time heals all wounds. But how far has it healed the wounds of our beloved musicians? Recently, we at the RS had the privilege of having a chat with them. So here's the story of their harrowing experience, and their struggle to live beyond it, from their own mouths.

Tell us about the accident.
Jahan: We were in a hurry that night as two of us had exams the next day and Mobin bhai had to face the embassy again. The organisers couldn't arrange a good car for us and the driver was also careless. He was probably drowsing on the wheels, when all of a sudden, we crashed. It was a terrible accident something which was so sudden and unexpected for us that we could neither believe nor comprehend what was happening around us.

How were you all physically affected?
Jahan: Apart from Mobin bhai, a friend of ours, Tanim, was also accompanying us. He was thrown out of the car and suffered injuries to his chest, left arm and the left side of his face. Tahsan, Jon and I escaped with minor injuries. Tony suffered serious injuries to the elbows of both hands and his left toe. But Meraj was the one most severely injured among us. He suffered severe injuries to the left side of his body, including multiple fractures to his left arm, elbow, ring finger, little finger and the left femur.

So, how far have you recovered?
Tony: Jon, Jahan and Tahsan have no physical problems now. As for me, I'm pretty irregular with my physiotherapy. So, it might take some time before I fully recover. But I'm confident once I'm back on the drums, I'll be all right.

How is Meraj doing now?
Meraj: After the accident, I was admitted to Pangu Hospital in an unconscious state. But after receiving primary medical aid there, I was moved to Eden Multicare Hospital, where I stayed for about ten days. Then, on April 29, my parents took me to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore. There I underwent surgeries on my left arm, left femur and knee. But my femur had broken into more than 25 pieces. In order to heal it, I'll have to undergo a complicated surgical procedure known as bone grafting. I'll be going to Singapore very soon for the operation and I request everyone to pray for me.

How did you cope with the tragic demise of Imran Ahmed Mobin after the incident?


Jon: I don't know if we can ever cope with it. But we're trying to forget everything by keeping ourselves busy, whether it's studies or hanging out. For example, we've decided to do concerts again. Those things keep coming back in flashes to haunt you. So, I guess we should just hope to keep going. (continued...)