Maestro Lalon singer Farida Parveen passed away on Saturday night at 10:15 PM at Universal Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. She had been battling severe kidney complications, requiring frequent dialysis, and her condition worsened in recent days.
In honour of the legendary singer, Parveen’s body will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar on Sunday morning, where fans, scholars, and artists will have the opportunity to pay their last respects. The body will be on display from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM before being transported to Kushtia for burial later in the day.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus expressed his profound sorrow at her passing, calling her an irreplaceable figure in Bangladesh’s cultural history. “Her contribution to Lalon Geeti will be cherished forever,” he said in his condolence message. Similarly, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir extended his heartfelt condolences, describing her death as a significant loss to the country’s music scene.
Farida Parveen, who was 73 years old, had a career that spanned decades, earning her the title of “Queen of Lalon Geeti.” She was widely revered for her soulful renditions of Lalon Shah’s songs, along with her performances of Nazrul and other traditional Bengali folk music. Parveen’s legacy includes receiving prestigious awards, including the Ekushey Padak and the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.
Parveen had been receiving medical care for her longstanding kidney disease, with her condition deteriorating after a recent dialysis session. Despite her illness, she continued to be an iconic figure in the cultural scene, inspiring countless admirers both in Bangladesh and abroad.
Tributes poured in from across the nation, with many remembering her as a torchbearer of the Baul and Lalon traditions. Her public tribute at the Shaheed Minar is set to provide one last opportunity for the people of Bangladesh to bid farewell to an artist whose voice helped define the country’s musical heritage.
Farida Parveen was not only known for her powerful voice but also for her deep commitment to preserving and promoting traditional Bengali folk music. She was admired for her humility, dedication, and authenticity, qualities that endeared her to both fans and fellow artists alike. Her songs, filled with spiritual depth and cultural significance, will continue to resonate with generations to come.
