Explaining his musical lineage, Arif says, "The followers of Alfu Dewan, a mystic poet and my great grandfather, use the title Dewan. Alfu rendered mystic songs such as adamtatwa, dehotatwa, and shariati among others. Alfu Dewan's two sons-- Khaleque Dewan and Malek Dewan-- popular bards in Bangladesh, later presented these mystic songs in a unique dramatic style called Sawal-Jawab (question and answer). Like my grandfather, my father Khabiruddin Dewan is also a popular palagaan singer. My grandfather has given me the responsibility of the Dewans."

Dewans are the bards who are enlightened and gather knowledge through their songs that link man with God and the mysteries of nature. The style of presenting songs by the Dewans is called palagaan. In palagaan two Dewans participate in a musical debate with a touch of the mystic. They usually play violin, mandira and dhol as the instruments.

How is palagaan different from kabigaan? Arif says, "Though both of the music genres are dramatic presentation of two bards, palagaan is a gurumukhi bidya(imparted through the teacher). Palagaan form starts with devotional song and then either nabitatwa (teachings of the Prophet SM.) or dehotatwa (songs dealing with human body and soul) becomes the subject of the pala. In the pala, the two rival bards display the emotion of different characters during the dramatic presentation. The aim of the nightlong palagaan is to glorify God. On the other hand, in kabigaan, the subject of debate between the two bards is open. Kabigaan also starts with devotion and then come narratives. Moreover, toppa (rhythmic repetition), dhonya and malshi are included in kabigaan form."

"Nowadays, because of increasing commercialisation all round, the folksong forms are losing originality. Some of the forms have become vulgar. And palagaan is no exception. In the process, the preservation of the rich tradition is in jeopardy," says Arif.

Thankfully, authentic palagaan remains popular amongst the masses. Each year more than 30,000 followers of Alfu Dewan gather at his Oros at Keraniganj to pay their respects to the mystic poet. Foreign researchers have worked on Alfu Dewan Mazar and his folk style. Arif Dewan has staged over 100 stage shows in different corners of the country. Arif says, "Generally I receive invitations to stage palagaan in greater Comilla, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Tangail, Manikganj and Kushtia region. Moreover, I regularly perform in the government programmes. I have performed in England, Oman, South Korea and Malaysia."

Like other folksingers, Arif Dewan believes that the government and electronic media should step in by preserving and popularising folk music. Arif says, "Though the electronic media airs a few programmes of folksongs, the time slot is not suitable for viewers to enjoy folksongs. Most of the programmes are aired in the afternoon when people remain preoccupied."

Besides, palagaan, Arif Dewan also sings kabigaan, baulgaan and other genres of folksongs. Since 1982 Arif Dewan is a special grade singer in radio and TV. Moreover, Arif Dewan is a music composer and lyricist of folksongs.

Arif Dewan is not into fusion folk music. As he says, "There is a harmonious interrelationship between the lyrics and tunes of our folksongs. If, the tune is modified, the harmony is interrupted. And thus, the folksong loses its essence, which is not acceptable. Those who want to blend folksongs with western music should create a new form. However, they should not destroy the authenticity of folksongs."

He has written and composed over 400 songs and has released 23 cassettes and one VCD. His albums such as Malek Dewaner Bhaber Shudha, Beheshti Sawgat, Ami Pather Baul, Tumito Dayal Khaja and Premer Smrity have made waves both in Bangladesh and India.