Ali breathed his last at around 10.30am. He had been receiving treatment in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was on life support before his death. His passing was confirmed to the media by his friend and journalist Ershadul Haque.

The musician had been battling several health complications for years. He had suffered from kidney disease for nearly four years and required regular dialysis. His health deteriorated further in the weeks before his death, leading to a series of medical complications.

On 24 October, he was admitted to hospital after his sodium levels dropped significantly. During treatment, he suffered a stroke, which left him unable to speak normally. His condition subsequently became more complicated as additional health problems emerged.

Doctors later identified dengue infection and a fungal infection associated with catheter use. He was also suffering from liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis C virus. His longstanding kidney disease, the stroke and multiple infections placed considerable strain on his health.

Despite receiving medical treatment, his condition remained critical. He was eventually placed on life support in intensive care, where he died on Friday morning.

A Musical Journey Spanning Several Decades

Sheikh Shahed Ali was a recognised figure in Bangladesh’s band music scene, particularly among audiences familiar with the country’s music of the 1990s. He founded the band Gachh and remained involved in music from that decade onwards.

He was also known in the music industry as ‘Rokzana Shahed’, a name closely associated with his best-known song, ‘Rokzana’. The track brought him considerable recognition among music enthusiasts and became a defining part of his musical identity.

His other popular songs included ‘Upolobdhi’, ‘Classroom-e Bose Shekha’, ‘Ut-pakhir Dim’, ‘Khola Chul’ and ‘Prem Ashbei’. These recordings helped establish his presence among listeners and reflected his contribution to the local music scene.

Ali released his debut album, ‘Probhu’, in 1991. It marked an important milestone in his musical career. He subsequently released five more albums, building a body of work that extended beyond his most widely recognised song.

The 1990s were an important period for Bangladesh’s contemporary music industry, with bands and individual performers developing distinctive musical identities and reaching new audiences. The growth of band-based music created opportunities for artists to experiment with different styles of composition, performance and songwriting. Ali was part of this evolving musical landscape through his work with Gachh and his recordings.

His career was shaped by his involvement in band music as well as his individual performances. Although ‘Rokzana’ remains the song most closely associated with his name, his other recordings also form part of his musical legacy.

His death at 63 marks the loss of an experienced singer and band founder. For generations of listeners familiar with his work, his songs will remain a reminder of his contribution to Bangladesh’s music scene. His musical journey may have come to an end, but the recordings he leaves behind will continue to carry his name.