The culturally rich region of Nilphamari is in mourning following the demise of Farooq Bhuiyan, a distinguished folk singer, composer, and lyricist whose evocative voice captivated audiences across Bangladesh for over three decades. The acclaimed artist breathed his last at approximately 6:00 am on Wednesday, 14 October, whilst undergoing treatment for cardiac complications at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday evening when Bhuiyan suddenly suffered a severe cardiac arrest at his residence. Family members rushed him to Nilphamari General Hospital for immediate medical attention. As his condition deteriorated rapidly, attending doctors recommended an urgent transfer to Rangpur Medical College Hospital. Despite the dedicated efforts of medical staff in the coronary care unit, he succumbed to his ailment early the following morning.
Born on 24 February 1966 in the village of Harowa, situated within Nilphamari Municipality, Bhuiyan was the youngest of four brothers born to the late Abdul Gani Bhuiyan, a local businessman. His artistic journey began at an early age, grounded in the vibrant musical traditions of northern Bangladesh. Over the years, he developed a unique rendering style that bridged regional folklore with mainstream media exposure.
Bhuiyan etched his name into the annals of regional folk culture through his immortal musical composition, ‘Bangladesher Mainshigila Tomak Deosho Nimontron, Nilphamari Ekbar Bere Jao’ (People of Bangladesh, you are invited, visit Nilphamari at least once). Written by Bhuiyan himself and set to music by the revered Bhawaiya maestro Mahesh Chandra Roy, the anthem offered a warm invitation to explore the heritage, culinary delights, and hospitality of Nilphamari. The composition gained widespread national prominence in 1989 after Bhuiyan performed it on Bangladesh Television’s popular magazine show Antaranga.
Throughout a prolific career spanning more than 35 years, Bhuiyan served as an enlisted artist for Bangladesh Television (BTV). Aside from his signature regional anthem, he penned and composed numerous memorable folk and devotional pieces, including ‘Hazra Bibir Kandon Shunle Dukhhe Koilja Jay Fati’ and ‘Deewana Deewana Ami Deewana Hoilam Re’. His ability to capture raw human emotion made him a sought-after performer at stage events nationwide. His final public appearance took place on the evening of 6 October at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dhaka, where he delivered his final live performance during a gala celebrating timeless music.
Beyond his vocal prowess, Bhuiyan was a passionate cultural organizer dedicated to preserving musical legacies. He founded the Firoz Shai and Pilu Momtaz Memorial Society in Nilphamari, an organization he nurtured for a quarter of a century. Through this initiative, he consistently recognized and honoured prominent artists across the nation. Just months prior to his passing, on 29 August, Bhuiyan spearheaded the silver jubilee celebration of the society at the Nilphamari Shaheed Minar.
Following the news of his passing, grief swept through the cultural fraternity of the district. His funeral prayer (namaz-e-janaza) took place on Wednesday evening after the Maghrib prayer at the Nilphamari College Station Adarsha High School grounds, attended by hundreds of musicians, admirers, and local dignitaries. He was subsequently laid to rest at the Nilphamari Municipal Central Graveyard. He leaves behind his wife, two daughters, and a legacy that will forever resonate in the heart of northern Bangladesh.
