The voice behind the much-loved Bengali song ‘No One Is Dearer Than Mother’ continues to evoke powerful emotions among listeners. That voice belongs to Rumana Islam, a singer whose career has been closely associated with Bengali music and whose artistic journey is rooted in one of Bangladesh’s prominent cultural families.

Rumana Islam is the daughter of Khan Ataur Rahman, a celebrated figure in Bangladesh’s film and music industries, and Mahbuba Rahman, a respected singer who was particularly prominent during the 1950s and 1960s. Growing up in such an environment meant that music, cinema and cultural expression were part of her everyday life from an early age.

Her career began as a child performer. In 1970, she appeared in the film Apan Por under the name ‘Baby Sraboni’. Although acting marked her early entry into the world of entertainment, music soon became the central focus of her artistic life.

Among the songs most strongly associated with Rumana Islam is ‘Mayer Moto Apon Keho Nai Re’, a deeply emotional composition centred on the bond between a mother and her child. Another memorable song from her repertoire is ‘Mon Majhi Tor Boitha Nere, Ami Ar Baita Parlam Na’. Both songs featured in Din Jai Kotha Thake, a film directed by her father, Khan Ataur Rahman. He also wrote and composed the songs and was involved in producing the film.

Those early recordings established a distinctive place for Rumana in the memories of Bengali music lovers. Her voice, initially heard as that of a child performer, gradually matured into that of an accomplished singer with an identity of her own.

Over the years, Rumana Islam has worked across different areas of Bengali music, including film songs and modern music. She has lent her voice to compositions by leading lyricists and composers, contributing to a repertoire that spans different periods and musical styles. Her performances have also taken her beyond Bangladesh, where she has received appreciation from Bengali-speaking audiences abroad.

Her career has not been limited to recording and performing songs. Rumana has also been associated with music-based television programmes and talent-search initiatives. She has served as a judge on musical programmes broadcast by Bangladesh Television and has appeared on private television channels, where she has performed both her own songs and well-known numbers from the golden era of Bengali music.

Several albums have also been released featuring her work, adding to a career that has developed over decades rather than being defined by a single hit.

Rumana has maintained an association with social and cultural activities alongside her musical career. Her family has ancestral roots in Manikganj. She studied at Holy Cross College and later at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, reflecting an educational journey that developed alongside her artistic pursuits.

Today, 12 August, Rumana Islam celebrates her birthday.

For many listeners, the occasion brings back memories of the young voice that once sang about the incomparable place of a mother. Decades have passed since those early performances. Her voice has matured, the musical landscape has changed and generations of listeners have come and gone. Yet the emotional quality of those songs remains intact.

That is perhaps the enduring strength of Rumana Islam’s artistic journey. Her work connects different generations through familiar melodies and memories, while her career reflects the continuing influence of Bangladesh’s rich musical and cinematic heritage.

On her birthday, warm wishes go to Rumana Islam for continued health, happiness and creativity. May her voice continue to carry the memories of Bengali music to audiences at home and abroad, and may the songs that have become part of so many listeners’ lives continue to find new ears and new hearts.