Today, 19 March, marks the birth anniversary of Nasheed Kamal, one of Bangladesh’s most distinguished vocalists, writers, and educators. Born in 1958 in London, United Kingdom, she has carved a unique niche in the cultural, academic, and social spheres of her country, earning the admiration of generations.
Music runs in her veins. She is the eldest granddaughter of the legendary folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed, inheriting a rich family musical tradition. Nurtured in this environment, Nasheed Kamal went on to establish herself as a prominent exponent of Nazrul Sangeet, winning widespread recognition for her melodious voice, flawless renditions, and profound emotional depth. In acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions to Nazrul Sangeet, she received the Nazrul Award in 2009 and the Nazrul Padak in 2014.
Her family background is equally illustrious. Her father, Mostafa Kamal, served as the Chief Justice of Bangladesh, while her mother, Husne Ara Kamal, was a poet, academic, and social activist. At the age of two, she returned to Bangladesh with her family, where she firmly rooted her personal and professional journey.
Nasheed Kamal displayed a precocious musical talent from childhood. She first gained public attention as a child performer on Pakistan Television’s East Pakistan Centre inauguration on 25 December 1964. She subsequently honed her craft under the guidance of eminent maestros including Ustad P.C. Gomez, Ustad Akhtar Sadmani, Ustad Kader Zamiri, and Pandit Jasraj.
Her academic journey has been equally exemplary. After excelling at Holy Cross Girls’ High School and Holy Cross College, she earned first-class honours in Statistics at the University of Dhaka. She pursued postgraduate studies at Carleton University, Canada, and completed her PhD at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Professionally, she has contributed extensively to research and social development. She has worked with the internationally renowned ICDDR,B, served as an advisor to UNFPA in Bangladesh and Sudan, and published research in The Lancet. Currently, she teaches at BRAC Business School, BRAC University, shaping future leaders.
Beyond music and academia, Nasheed Kamal is an accomplished presenter and debater, winning the best speaker award on Bangladesh Television’s “Torko Jukti Torko” in 1976. She is married to Major General and physician Anis Waiz, and her extended family continues the country’s rich musical legacy through relatives such as Mustafa Zaman Abbasi and Ferdausi Rahman.
Her life exemplifies excellence across the domains of art, education, and research, inspiring generations with her dedication, talent, and vision. On this special day, we celebrate her health, longevity, and ongoing achievements.
Happy Birthday, Nasheed Kamal!