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Published : 10 May 2025, 04:55 PM
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of eminent musicologist Mustafa Zaman Abbasi.
In a condolence letter, Yunus said that the Ekushey Padak-winning artist’s contributions to Bangladeshi music will be remembered forever.
“Born into one of the subcontinent’s most renowned musical families, Abbasi was a multifaceted talent and versatile artist. His songs and research will continue to inspire fresh thinking and creativity within Bangladesh’s cultural landscape,” he added.
Yunus also prayed for his passing soul and extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
A musicologist, singer, composer, researcher and writer, Abbasi died at York Hospital in Dhaka’s Banani on Saturday, at 89.
Abbasi was the third son of legendary Bhawaiya folk singer and composer Abbasuddin Ahmed. His uncle Abdul Karim was also a prominent folk singer.
His sister Ferdausi Rahman is also a musician. His eldest brother Mustafa Kamal was the chief justice of Bangladesh. Nashid Kamal, daughter of Mustafa, is a Nazrul Sangeet singer.
Born on Dec 8, 1936 in Balarampur village of India’s Koch Bihar, he was trained by Indian classical musicians such as Ustad Muhammad Hussain Khasru and Ustad Gul Mohammad Khan.
Through his voice, Abbasi brought to life a wide range of traditional Bengali folk music, including Bhawaiya, Bhatiali, Dehatatwa, Murshidi, Chotka, Marfati, Baul, and songs of Hason Raja.
With a life immersed in music, Abbasi also made his mark as a dedicated researcher. He explored the diversity of Bangladeshi music and worked tirelessly to compile and popularise Islamic and folk music in the country.
