Renowned Lalon folk singer Farida Parveen received a tearful farewell at the rain-soaked Shahid Minar, as people from all walks of life paid their respects. The late artist’s body was brought to the central Shahid Minar in Dhaka around noon on Sunday.
Alongside fellow artists, a large crowd of ordinary citizens gathered to bid her goodbye, offering floral tributes despite the pouring rain.
Farida Parveen’s son, Imam Nahil Sumon, told journalists that from the Shahid Minar premises, her body would be taken to the central mosque at Dhaka University. After the Zuhr prayers, she will be laid to rest beside her parents in Kushtia, according to her wishes.
“She wished to be buried in Kushtia. Her grave will be in the municipal cemetery,” Imam Nahil said.
Farida Parveen had long suffered from kidney complications. Her condition had recently deteriorated, requiring regular dialysis. After her last dialysis on September 2 at Universal Medical College Hospital in Mohakhali, her health worsened further. Doctors admitted her to the ICU, and later, as her condition declined, she was placed on a ventilator, where she passed away at 10:15pm on Saturday night.
Born on December 31, 1954, in Singra, Natore, Farida Parveen devoted nearly 55 years to music. She began her musical journey at the age of 14 in 1968. Her early career was marked by struggles and challenges, but her passion for music was nurtured in her family, especially by her father, a music enthusiast. Her childhood was spent moving to different places due to her father’s job. While living in Magura, she took her first lessons from Ustad Kamal Chakraborty.
A defining milestone in her musical journey was singing the songs of Lalon Shah. Initially hesitant, she began learning Lalon songs following encouragement from her father and later under the guidance of Moksed Ali Sai.
Farida Parveen’s career featured many memorable moments, including a historic event in 1973 when she recorded Lalon songs at Dhaka Radio, strengthening her position in the music world.
Through her songs, she not only spread the spiritual philosophy of Lalon in society but also captivated audiences with modern music. Her renditions of Lalon songs earned her international fame, particularly in countries such as Japan, Sweden, the UK, Canada, and Australia. For her contributions, she received the Ekushey Padak in 1987 and the National Film Award in 1993.
Farida Parveen’s contribution to Bengali music will remain eternally memorable.
