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Published : 26 Mar 2025, 09:23 PM
Before the tribute ceremony for Sanjida Khatun at the Central Shaheed Minar came to an end, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, general secretary of Chhayanaut, was called upon to deliver a speech.
She stepped forward and began to sing the words of Rabindranath Tagore’s "Aachhe dukkho, aachhe mrityu, birahodahono laage. Tobuo shaanti, Tobuo aananda, tobuo ananto jaage" (There is sorrow, there is death, separation brings pain. Yet, there is peace, there is joy, and eternity awakens).
The crowd, deeply moved, joined her in song.
The entire Shaheed Minar courtyard was filled with sorrow, as some tried to hide their tears in the intense heat of Chaitra, while others openly wept.
Laisa, in her farewell to everyone’s beloved “Minu Apa”, delivered a message of eternal hope and remembrance.
Some of those who had been fortunate enough to have known Sanjida firmly said the light she had ignited must continue to shine.
Despite her passing, they hoped that the flame she had kindled would never be extinguished.
Around 3:30pm on Wednesday, a final farewell was given to the legendary figure of Bengali culture, Sanjida Khatun, through songs, speeches, and recitations at the Central Shaheed Minar.
Before that, flowers were laid in tribute by different social, cultural, and political organisations, including Dhaka University, the Bangladesh Students’ Union, Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Songstha, the Communist Party of Bangladesh, and Udichi Shilpigoshthi, among others.
Many people also came forward to offer their personal tributes.
Sanjida Khatun passed away at 3:00pm on Tuesday while undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Square Hospital in Dhaka.
Her body was kept in the morgue overnight and was later brought to the Chhayanaut Bhaban at 12:00pm on Wednesday.
She was one of the founding members of Chhayanaut and its most recent president.
To pay their final respects, artists, cultural workers, and people from all walks of life began gathering at the Chhayanaut Bhaban from early morning on Wednesday.
The long lines stretched beyond the Chhayanaut Bhaban, extending all the way to Dhanmondi 27.
From Chhayanaut, Sanjida’s body was taken to her former workplace, the Department of Bengali at Dhaka University.
Afterward, the body was moved to the Shaheed Minar after 2:30pm.
While paying their respects, dancer Sharmila Banerjee shared her memories with bdnews24.com.
She recalled having the privilege of being in Sanjida's presence since her childhood.
Speaking about how she met Sanjida, Sharmila said: "I was around 8 or 9 years old when I first had the opportunity to be with her. I am from Chattogram, and she had visited the city for an event. From that moment until her passing, I had the honour of knowing her."
She described Sanjida as a “beacon of light”. "She had lit the flame, and throughout her life, she endeavoured to spread that light among all of us.
“In her passing, it is our responsibility to ensure that the light does not extinguish. The light she kindled must continue to guide us forward. This, I believe, is the true tribute we can pay to her."
Sanjida Khatun was also remembered by Bengal Foundation Chairman Abul Khair and its Director General Luva Nahid Choudhury, who came to Shaheed Minar to pay their respects.
Abul said, "Chhayanaut’s role in Bangladesh’s cultural scene cannot be measured by just its music. In the 1960s, despite facing pressure from the Pakistani authorities, it was Sanjida Khatun who was instrumental in starting the Bengali New Year celebrations at Ramna Batamul."
He higlighted that Sanjida had supported the Bengal Foundation's activities in numerous ways.
"Today, the work Bengal Foundation does in promoting culture has been inspired by Sanjida Khatun in many ways. Last week, we published a feature about her life in ‘Kali o Kolom’ magazine, which offers a glimpse of her illustrious life. Her death is a huge loss for the nation and our culture."
Luva noted the significant role of Sanjida's family in the cultural sphere of Bangladesh.
"Chhayanaut has nurtured thousands of artists across the country. This has been a major force in the cultural awakening of Bangladesh. She taught us to love Bangladesh and to hold our heads high in our identity as Bengalis."
After 3:30pm, Sanjida Khatun's body was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).
Chhayanaut Vice-President Mofidul Haque said the body would be kept in the hospital’s cold storage, and the family would later decide on the next steps.
