Artists of her calibre are born once in a century.
Bangladeshi singer Farida Parveen passed away in Dhaka on the night of September 13, 2025, at the age of 70.
She died at 10:15 pm at Universal Medical College Hospital after weeks of battling critical kidney-related complications.
Her husband, renowned flautist Ustad Gazi Abdul Hakim, confirmed the news and shared details of her final journey.
He said that her body would be taken to multiple locations across Dhaka on September 14 to allow admirers to pay their respects.
The tributes began early Sunday when her body was brought to the music school, Ochin Pakhi.
This was followed by her first janaza at 9 am at Tejkunipara mosque.
At 10:30 am, the coffin was placed at the Central Shaheed Minar, where people from across society, including cultural figures, gathered in mourning.
Later, at 11:30 am, another janaza took place at Dhaka University Central Mosque, after which the body was transported to Kushtia.
At noon, the final opportunity for the public to pay homage was held when her body was placed at the Central Shaheed Minar.
Later in the afternoon, she was laid to rest in Kushtia beside her parents’ graves.
Known as the ‘Queen of Lalon Geeti’, Parveen’s legacy rests on her unmatched ability to popularise the mystic songs of Lalon Sai.
She blended their philosophical essence with her commanding yet soulful voice.
Her career spanned five decades, during which she performed globally.
She brought Lalon’s philosophy to stages in Japan, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Recognition came in many forms, including the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 1987.
She received the National Film Award in 1993 for the playback song ‘Nindar Kata’ from Ondho Prem, and the Fukuoka Prize in 2008.
She also recorded timeless albums like ‘Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi’ and ‘Milon Hobe Koto Dine,’ which remain touchstones of Bangladeshi folk traditions.
Her passing left the cultural world devastated, with tributes pouring in from fellow artists, actors, and admirers across the nation.
Singer Kanak Chapa described her as a guardian and inspiration, while actor Uzzal said artists of her calibre are born once in a century.
Bangladeshi star Shakib Khan praised her voice as a carrier of Bengal’s soul, while Runa Laila paid her respects.
Even Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr Mohammad Yunus, acknowledged her role as ‘Lalonkonna’, a daughter of Lalon.
Farida Parveen leaves behind her husband, four children, and a body of work that will forever define Bangladeshi folk music.
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