Legendary folk singer Farida Parveen passes away

Renowned folk singer Farida Parveen, often hailed as the “Queen of Lalon songs,” passed away on Saturday night. She breathed her last at 10:15pm at Universal Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. She was 73.

The hospital’s managing director, Ashish Kumar Chakraborty, confirmed the news. Parveen is survived by her husband and four children.

Farida Parveen had long been suffering from kidney complications. In recent months, her condition had deteriorated, requiring dialysis twice a week. On September 2, she was admitted to Universal Medical College Hospital in Mohakhali after her health worsened following a dialysis session. Doctors placed her in the ICU, and later on a ventilator as her condition declined further. Despite continued medical efforts, she passed away on Saturday night.

Born on December 31, 1954, in Singra upazila of Natore, Parveen’s musical journey spanned over five decades. She began her professional career in 1968 at the age of 14. Initially trained in Nazrul Sangeet and modern songs, she later devoted most of her career to the works of mystic bard Lalon Shah, earning widespread acclaim for her soulful renditions.

Music ran in her family—her father had a deep love for music, and her grandmother was also a singer. Throughout her career, she overcame many challenges and carved out a distinct place in Bangladesh’s cultural history.

Farida Parveen leaves behind a legacy as one of Bangladesh’s most respected folk icons, whose voice brought Lalon’s timeless philosophy to generations of listeners.