Mita Haque was a prominent Rabindra Sangeet singer from Bangladesh whose vocal artistry brought depth, clarity, and refined expression to the works of Rabindranath Tagore. She was widely recognised for her disciplined musical training and long-standing contribution to the performance and teaching of Bengali music.
Born on 6 September 1962, Haque began her musical journey within her family environment. Her initial training in music was guided by her uncle, Wahidul Haq. She later received advanced instruction under Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khan and Dr Sanjida Khatun, which helped her develop a structured and classical approach to vocal performance.
At the age of 11, she participated in an international children’s festival held in Berlin, marking her early exposure to an international cultural platform. From 1976 onwards, she undertook regular training in classical music, which significantly shaped her interpretative style in Rabindra Sangeet, adding technical precision and aesthetic refinement to her performances.
Haque’s professional career in music was long and distinguished. She was enlisted as a top-grade artist of Bangladesh Betar, the national radio service of Bangladesh. Over her career, she released a total of 24 solo albums, of which 14 were published in India and 10 in Bangladesh, reflecting her wide acceptance across borders and her contribution to the dissemination of Tagore’s music in both countries.
In addition to her work as a performer, she played an important role as an organiser and educator. She founded and managed by the music institution “Surtirtha,” through which she contributed to music education and training. She also served as the head of the Rabindra Sangeet department at Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyayatan and held the position of vice-president of the Rabindra Sangeet Shammiloni Parishad, an organisation dedicated to the promotion of Tagore’s music.
Her contributions to music were formally recognised through several honours. In 2016, she received the Shilpakala Padak in recognition of her contribution to the arts. In the same year, she was also awarded the Rabindra Puraskar by Bangla Academy, further acknowledging her role in the preservation and performance of Rabindra Sangeet. She additionally received special recognition at the “Ravi Channel i Rabindra Mela” in 2016.
In her personal life, Mita Haque was married to noted theatre personality and actor Khaled Khan. The couple had one daughter, Farhin Khan Joyita.
Haque passed away on 11 April 2021 after battling cancer. Her death marked the end of a significant era in Bangladeshi Rabindra Sangeet performance, though her recordings and teaching legacy continue to influence students and listeners.
Key Information Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mita Haque |
| Date of Birth | 6 September 1962 |
| Date of Death | 11 April 2021 |
| Profession | Rabindra Sangeet singer |
| Early Training | Wahidul Haq (uncle) |
| Advanced Mentors | Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khan; Dr Sanjida Khatun |
| International Participation | Children’s festival, Berlin (age 11) |
| Albums Released | 24 total (14 India, 10 Bangladesh) |
| Institutional Role | Founder, Surtirtha; Head, Chhayanaut Rabindra Sangeet Dept. |
| Organisation Role | Vice-president, Rabindra Sangeet Shammiloni Parishad |
| Major Awards | Shilpakala Padak (2016), Rabindra Puraskar (2016) |
| Family | Spouse: Khaled Khan; Daughter: Farhin Khan Joyita |
Mita Haque’s career reflects a sustained commitment to Rabindra Sangeet through performance, education, and institutional leadership, establishing her as a significant figure in the cultural landscape of Bangladesh.