Staff Correspondent
Bangladesh has lost one of its most treasured voices. Legendary folk singer Farida Parveen, widely revered as the “Queen of Lalon Songs,” passed away on Saturday (13 September) at 10:15 p.m. at Universal Medical College Hospital in Dhaka (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un). The hospital’s managing director, Ashish Kumar Chakraborty, confirmed the news.
Farida Parveen had long been battling complications from kidney disease. She required dialysis twice a week and was admitted to Universal Medical College Hospital on 2 September for routine treatment. Her condition deteriorated soon after, and she was kept in the ICU before being placed on life support. Earlier in July this year, she was admitted to the same hospital in critical condition and later discharged on 21 July after showing signs of recovery.
Born on 31 December 1954 in Shawl village under Singra upazila of Natore, Farida Parveen grew up in Kushtia, the spiritual home of Lalon. She began her musical journey in 1968 as a listed artist of Rajshahi Betar, initially performing Nazrul Sangeet. In the early 1970s, she gained popularity with patriotic songs before dedicating herself fully to Lalon’s timeless compositions, receiving tutelage from the mystic Moksed Ali Shah.
Over the decades, Farida Parveen became a cultural icon, her voice breathing new life into Lalon’s philosophy and songs. Her renditions such as “Khanchar Bhetor Ochin Pakhi” and “Tora Dekhe Ja Amai” transcended generations, making her a household name and earning her the affectionate title of “Lalon Konya” (Daughter of Lalon).
In recognition of her remarkable contribution to music, she was awarded the Ekushey Padak, the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer (1993), and Japan’s prestigious Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize (2008), among many other honors. To pass on the heritage of Lalon songs to younger generations, she also established a music school named “Ochinpakhi School.”
Farida Parveen’s passing leaves behind a profound void in Bangladesh’s cultural and musical landscape. Though her voice has fallen silent, her songs will continue to echo through the hearts of millions, carrying forward the spirit of Baul philosophy and Bengali folk tradition.