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A legendary figure in Bangladesh’s cultural sphere, Sanjida dedicated her life to exploring and shaping the Bengali identity
Published : 26 Mar 2025, 05:12 PM
Two years ago, Sanjida Khatun came to Chhayanaut in a wheelchair for an event celebrating her 90th birthday.
This time, a sombre mood pervaded her beloved institution as she returned for the last time. Tearful colleagues, students, and fellow cultural figures surrounded her body as songs of Rabindranath Tagore and Lalon -- the music that had been her lifelong companion in shaping and nurturing Bengali culture -- filled the air.
As a founding member and the last president of Chhayanaut, Sanjida was mourned by artists, cultural activists, and admirers from all walks of life. From early Wednesday morning, people gathered at Chhayanaut to pay their final respects. The line of mourners stretched past the building, reaching Dhanmondi 27.
Aroma Dutta, former MP and granddaughter of martyred intellectual Dhirendranath Dutta, said:
"Sanjida Khatun dedicated her entire life to Bengali culture. She worked to elevate the Bengali identity across the world. She illuminated the path of our cultural heritage, and we have all been touched by that light."
Respected as a legend in Bangladesh’s cultural sphere, Sanjida defied labels. She was an artist, writer, researcher, organiser, musicologist, and teacher. She left her mark in every role she took on.
Sanjida passed away while undergoing treatment at Dhaka's Square Hospital on Tuesday. She was 91.
Cultural activist Ramendu Majumdar said, "Sanjida Khatun lived a vibrant life. She worked to promote pure music throughout the country and contributed immensely to the growth of Bengali culture. Anyone who came in contact with her felt enriched."
Artists and members from Chhayanaut, Nalonda, Kanthashilon and nearly every major cultural organisation in the country came to pay their final respects.
Her passing comes just as preparations are underway for Pohela Baishakh, or the Bengali New Year -- a festival Sanjida helped turn into a grand national celebration from the 1960s onward.
Surrounding her mortal remains, artists sang Tagore’s spring song "Jhora Pata Go". Teachers and students of Chhayanaut bid farewell by singing songs like "Tumi Je Shurer Agun", "Marer Shagor Pari Debo", and "Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush" — songs they had learned from her.
As the sangs rang out from one side, a long line of mourners laid floral tributes on the other. Tears streamed down faces across the Chhayanaut courtyard. Many wept openly.
Shanta Islam said, "She was my teacher. I learnt music from her. More than that, she taught me to love Bengali culture."
Singer Khurshid Alam said, "She was a shining star in the world of Bengali music. She dedicated her entire life to Chhayanaut. She was outspoken and never compromised her ideals."
Theatre personality M Hamid added, "Sanjida Khatun taught us to love our country, our culture, and to embrace secular values. She helped us realise what it means to be Bengali through her love for Bangladesh. Her loss is truly irreplaceable."
Artist and Dhaka University teacher Abul Barq Alvi said, "Her sister was my senior at the Faculty of Fine Arts. That’s how I knew her from student life. Later, she joined many of our cultural programmes. She always guided us and led from the front."
The memorial at Chhayanaut ended with a soulful rendition of "Aguner Parashmoni" and finally, the national anthem.
Chhayanaut’s Vice-President Mofidul Hoque said, "The person who turned the Ramna Batamul Boishakh celebration into an inseparable part of millions of Bengali hearts was Sanjida Khatun. She travelled across the country, teaching music, leading, and researching. She loved people. She will live on through her unmatched contributions."
Organisations such as the Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad, Kanthashilon, Shurer Dhara, Bangladesh Gram Theatre, Dhaka Theatre, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, and Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha, along with many individuals, paid their respects to Sanjida.
