Pioneer of Khulna’s band music, Reza, passes away

Rezaul Islam Reza, a legendary figure in Khulna’s band music scene and the founder of the band Melody, has passed away. He breathed his last at a hospital in Khulna city around 8:00am on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack. He was 65.

Rezaul Reza was one of the leading pioneers during the early days of band music in Khulna.

He began performing on stage in 1974 and, in early 1975, founded his dream band Melody. At that time, two bands—Spartan and Melody—played crucial roles in shaping the band music movement in Khulna, led by dedicated artists like Reza. Through their efforts, band music in Khulna gained a strong foundation.

In 1992, Melody’s album O Bodhu Jayre brought him widespread recognition. Every song in the album resonated deeply with listeners, especially Brishtir Sheshe and the title track O Bodhu Jayre, which remain widely admired among music lovers even today.

Beyond his identity as an artist, he was also deeply admired as a person. Since morning, mourners have been gathering at his home area in Goalkhali.

According to neighbours and acquaintances, he was a humble and kind-hearted individual who never had conflicts with anyone.

His janaza was held after Asr prayer, and he was later laid to rest in his family graveyard.

His passing has cast a shadow of grief over Khulna’s cultural community. Khulna Sangit Mancha expressed its condolences, stating that his contributions and musical creations will live on forever in the hearts of music lovers.