বাংলা 
English 
Like bright stars in the firmament of Bangladesh's folk songs and baul music are the two names Malek Deowan and Kholek Deowan. They are the worthy sons of Deowan Alef Chan Shah, alias Alfu Deowan, one of the most gifted artistes and creators of tunes of the folk music of this land. Many of this Deowan family are now regular artistes on radio and television.
Alfu Deowan was born in Bamansur Ati village of Keraniganj, across the Buriganga on the southern edge of the capital. Like the wandering poets, he could compose songs standing on the stage. He composed nearly a thousand spiritual songs. Alfu Deowan's elder son Deowan Abdul Malek began singing with his father from the age of 18 and, by dint of his own talent, soon became adept in spiritual songs. Later the younger son Kholek Deowan also received musical training. After their father's death the two brothers together began singing folk songs, pala-gan, spiritual, dehatatva, murshidi, marfati, baul, bhatiali and bhawaiya songs.
Like their father they too would compose songs and add new tunes standing on the stage, singing straight away. They introduced many new streams of folk music, which very few musicians of this country have been able to do. Elder brother Deowan Abdul Malek first sang on Dhaka Radio in the British era. Later, with the help of his elder brother and learning from him, the younger brother Abdul Kholek also became popular singing on the radio. The two brothers together, and with their disciples, sang on the radio many times.
In 1975 several of their songs were recorded. Their songs were received with great seriousness not only at various events in the villages and markets of the land, but also among the educated society of the city. Deowan Abdul Malek and Deowan Abdul Kholek composed more than three thousand songs. Their book of songs was also published under the name "Deowan Gitika". Some account of the contribution of the Deowan brothers is given in Dr Moniruzzaman's book "Dhakar Lokokahini".
The emperors of pala-gan, Abdul Malek and Kholek Deowan, are no more. But their glorious memory is cherished in the hearts of millions of the country's people. Even today the melodious voices of these mystic artistes ring out in every corner of the land. Through Khobir Deowan, Makhon Deowan, Arif Deowan, Komol Deowan, Swapan Deowan, Kanon Deowan, Azad Deowan, Shakir Deowan, Kanchon Deowan, Uttam Deowan, Sajol Deowan, Saber Uddin Deowan, Mukti Deowan, Sujon Deowan, Akram Deowan and other members of this historic Deowan family, the onward march of pala-gan and baul music continues with pride.
