'Awaz Uda'-famed rapper Hannan freed

Hannan Hossain Shimul, the rapper behind the viral song "Awaz Uda Bangladesh," has finally been released after being detained by police in Narayanganj on July 25.

Reports suggest that he was even remanded for two days.

However, Narayanganj Fatulla Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Noore Azam Mia denied any such arrest or remand, telling Jago News that they had not detained anyone by the name of Hannan Hossain Shimul. "Journalists have been calling and asking about him for a few days," he added.

It was reported that Hannan and some of his friends were arrested by the police while returning from a friend's funeral. Authorities allegedly found video footage related to the recent quota reform movement on their mobile phones, which led to suspicions of their involvement in the violence. Some local media outlets claimed the police detained them based on these suspicions.

Hannan’s song, "Awaz Uda Bangladesh," which resonated with many supporters of the quota reform movement, has garnered significant attention on YouTube. Following news of his arrest, a wave of condemnation spread across social media. Fans, as well as members of the music industry, expressed their concerns and demanded his release using the hashtag #FreeHannan. Rumours also circulated about the arrest of another rapper, Muhammad Sejan, whose song "Katha Ka" has also gained popularity.

Hannan's hit song "Awaaz Uda Bangladesh" was released on his YouTube channel on July 18. In its description, he stated, "We are not against any organisation. We want to spread the voices of our friends and shed light on issues affecting the country. This is Bangladesh." The song begins with a clip of Bangabandhu's March 7 speech and reached the ninth position on YouTube’s trending list.