Folk singer Kaniz Khandaker Mitu is pursuing two passions side by side: teaching and music. The Jamuna riverside native spent three years teaching at RAJUK College in Uttara before joining the music department of Rabindra Srijonkala University in Sector 12, Uttara, where she has taught for the past two years. In late August, she also took on the role of assistant proctor at the university.
Alongside her academic responsibilities, Mitu continues to perform and practise music. She recently sang on Bangladesh Television’s regional music programme Praner Sur and performed on a live folk music programme on Bangladesh Betar. She has also recorded two original songs with Parvez and Akash, which are expected to be released soon.
Mitu said she is currently prioritising her university responsibilities, a habit of dedication she has maintained since childhood. She also works to introduce music to the next generation, teaching interested students classical, folk and other styles at her home in Uttara every Friday morning.
Sharing her dream, Mitu said, “At this moment, I am giving more importance to teaching. I want to fulfil my responsibilities to the fullest. And I will keep singing for the rest of my life. But my dream is to work with endangered folk songs and bring them back into the spotlight. It would be easier if I could find a producer who shares a love for this kind of music. I do not know how far I will be able to go, but this is my dream.”
Mitu previously taught at RAJUK College for three years. She said she wants to continue balancing her professional duties with her musical journey.
She is from Gobindasi village in Bhuapur, Tangail, and is one of four siblings, with three brothers and one sister. On Friday evening, she performed at a stage programme at the University of Dhaka’s Teacher-Student Centre (TSC).
