On 13 September 2025, Saturday at 10:15 pm, Farida Parveen breathed her last at Universal Medical College Hospital, Dhaka (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un). The news was confirmed by Dr Ashis Kumar Chakraborty, Managing Director of the hospital. She was 71 years old, leaving behind her husband, three sons and a daughter. For long she had been battling chronic kidney complications and, despite weeks of dialysis and intensive care, she could not be saved.
Farida Parveen – The Maestro of Lalon Song Has Departed
The greatness of Farida Parveen as an artist was beyond the comprehension or capacity of most in our country. Even today’s profound void may never truly make us grasp that truth.
For a nation such as ours—often foolish, obstinate, insolent, insensitive, of poor taste and envious—Farida Parveen was far too extraordinary. We were never truly worthy of her.
Early Life and Upbringing
Farida Parveen was born on 31 December 1954 in Singra, Natore. Because of her father’s job transfers, she spent her childhood in several districts including Magura, Kushtia and Rajshahi. It was in Magura that she had her first lessons in music under Ustad Kamal Chakraborty. From then on, wherever she went, she pursued training in various forms of music.
As a child she was lively and curious, often spending hours by the banks of the Atrai river with cousins, picking water lilies, or listening to the melodies of the radio. Those early impressions nurtured her love for music.
The Beginning of a Career
Her professional journey began in 1968, at the age of just 14, when she was enlisted as a Nazrul Sangeet singer at Rajshahi Radio. She started with Nazrul and modern songs, but soon destiny led her to Lalon’s world.
A family friend in Kushtia, Moksed Ali Shah, inspired her to sing Lalon songs. Initially hesitant, she was persuaded by her father to give it a try. Her first Lalon lesson was “Shotto Bol Supothe Chol”. When she performed it at a Dol Purnima festival, the audience’s overwhelming response made her realise her true path. Later, she trained under other great exponents of Lalon Sangeet such as Khoda Box Shah, Brojen Das, Behal Shah, Yasin Shah and Karim Shah.
Career and Contribution
Farida Parveen’s voice became synonymous with Lalon Sangeet. Her renditions carried not only melody but also the depth of Lalon’s philosophy. Through her, generations discovered the spiritual and humanistic message of the mystic bard.
She did not confine her music within Bangladesh. From Japan to the United States, the UK to Australia, and across Europe, she took Lalon’s philosophy to the world stage, establishing him as a voice of universal humanism.
Although best known for Lalon’s songs, her modern songs like “Tomra Bhule Gechho Mallikadir Naam” and patriotic numbers such as “Ei Padma Ei Meghna” also remain timeless.
Awards and Recognition
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Ekushey Padak (1987) – for her unparalleled contribution to Lalon Sangeet.
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National Film Award (1993) – Best Female Playback Singer for “Nindar Kanta” from the film Andho Prem.
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Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize (2008) – for her role in carrying Lalon’s philosophy beyond borders.
These accolades represent only a fraction of the love and respect she earned.
Family and Personal Life
Farida Parveen’s first husband was the eminent lyricist and singer Abu Zafar. Their family included three sons and one daughter – Jihan Faria, Imam Nimeri Upol, Imam Nahil Sumon and Imam Nomani Rabbi. Despite the demands of her career, she remained deeply devoted to her family.
The Final Chapter
In the last years of her life, she was severely ill. She required regular dialysis, and when her condition worsened, she was admitted to hospital earlier this month. Despite the best efforts of doctors, she was placed on ventilation but did not recover.
Legacy
Farida Parveen’s departure marks the end of an era. For more than five decades, she embodied the voice of Lalon, carrying his spiritual message to millions. She is rightly remembered as the “Queen of Lalon Song”, a title that captures both her artistry and her lifelong devotion to the mystic tradition.
Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, yet her songs will continue to echo in hearts, reminding us of the power of music to transcend time, religion and politics.
From Sangit Gurukul
On behalf of Sangit Gurukul, we bow our heads in respect to Farida Parveen. Her work in preserving and globalising Lalon’s philosophy is a national treasure and a global legacy. May her soul rest in eternal peace, and may her songs remain a guiding light for future generations.
