Celebrated folk singer Farida Parveen, revered as the "Queen of Lalon Geeti," passed away at 10:15pm on Saturday. She was 70. The news was confirmed to The Daily Star by Ashis Kumar Chakraborty, managing director of Universal Medical College Hospital.
Parveen is survived by her husband and four children.
The artiste had long been battling kidney complications. In recent months, her condition worsened, requiring dialysis twice a week. On September 2, she was admitted to Universal Medical College Hospital in Mohakhali following a routine dialysis session that left her health critically unstable. She was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU), where her condition further declined on Wednesday, leading doctors to place her on ventilation. Despite days of intensive treatment, she passed away on Saturday night.
She was kept in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU), where her condition further deteriorated on Wednesday, prompting doctors to place her on ventilation. Despite days of intensive treatment, she breathed her last on Saturday night.
She leaves behind a legacy that transcends generations, rooted deeply in the rich soil of Bangladeshi folk music. Her life, intertwined with Lalon's philosophy, was a testament to the power of music to inspire, heal, and elevate the human spirit.
Born on December 31, 1954, in Natore and raised in Kushtia, Farida Parveen grew up in a cultural environment that nurtured her love for music from an early age. Her father's commitment to fostering her talent led to her first lessons in classical music. But it was a chance encounter during a Dol Purnima event in Kushtia that would shape the course of her life forever. It was there that she met Moksed Ali Shai, a prominent Lalon singer, who became her mentor and opened the door to the spiritual world of Lalon Sain's songs and philosophy.
Lalon's songs, filled with the soulful mysticism and wisdom, found a perfect interpreter in Farida Parveen's voice. Her interpretation was more than just a performance; it was a spiritual exercise, a deep connection with the essence of life, love, and humanity. Her rendition of "Shatyo Bol Shupothey Chol" became emblematic of her journey, echoing the moral compass that guided her life: honesty, sincerity, and dedication.
Farida's rise to prominence in Bangladesh's music scene came not with Lalon songs, however, but with the patriotic anthem "Ei Padma Ei Meghna", which she performed in 1973. Her powerful, evocative voice resonated with the hearts of millions, earning her immediate recognition. But it was her mastery of Lalon's music that cemented her as an icon of Bangladeshi folk music.
Her albums, including "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi" and "Milon Hobe Koto Dine," have become timeless records that capture the soul of Bangladeshi folk traditions. Her voice, simultaneously soulful and commanding, drew listeners into the philosophical and existential musings of Lalon's teachings, while preserving the authenticity of the Baul tradition.
Farida Parveen's contributions to music were not limited to her performances. She became a beacon for the preservation and promotion of Lalon's songs and philosophy, founding the Farida Parveen Foundation. 
Through this institution, she nurtured a new generation of musicians, teaching them the principles and beauty of Lalon's philosophy. She often spoke about the importance of patience, sincerity, and dedication in the pursuit of art, a message she tirelessly advocated to the youth.
"It is a matter of sorrow", she once lamented in an interview, "that our new generation is not interested in any long-term learning process; rather, they prefer shortcuts to become famous. They should follow the footsteps of their honourable Gurus to become sustainable and successful singers."
Throughout her career, Farida Parveen was honoured with numerous awards for her unparalleled contributions to Bangladeshi music. She received the Ekushey Padak in 1987, one of the highest civilian honours in Bangladesh, as well as the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1993. Her international acclaim was cemented when she was awarded the prestigious Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize in 2008.

Farida Parveen's philosophy was deeply rooted in the teachings of Lalon Sain. She often spoke about the transformative power of his songs, how they helped her find inner peace and how they connected her with a greater sense of humanity. Her life was a manifestation of these beliefs—a pursuit of truth, compassion, and artistic integrity.
Her legacy, however, extends beyond the boundaries of music. Farida Parveen was an advocate for preserving Bangladesh's folk heritage, emphasising the need for authentic representation of traditional music in a rapidly modernising world. She often criticised the commercialisation of folk music, arguing that the spirit of Lalon and other bards should not be diluted by modern fusion trends.
"We are doing injustice to our traditional folk music in the name of fusion," she once said in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star. "Fortunately, a few torchbearers of folk music are still around to enlighten the public at large."
Her commitment to preserving Lalon's music went beyond performance. Farida Parveen had been working on a project to notate and preserve 100 of Lalon's songs, ensuring that future generations would have access to these invaluable pieces of cultural heritage. She dreamed of establishing a university dedicated to the study of Lalon's philosophy, a testament to her lifelong commitment to this great tradition.
Farida Parveen's life was one of dedication, passion, and unyielding belief in the power of music to elevate the human soul. She was not just a singer; she was a custodian of Bangladesh's cultural and spiritual heritage. Her voice may have fallen silent, but the songs she brought to life will continue to echo in the hearts of those who love Lalon's music.
As Bangladesh mourns the loss of one of its most cherished artists, it is clear that Farida Parveen's contributions to the world of music and her tireless efforts to preserve its traditions will be remembered for generations to come. Her journey, like the songs she sang, will inspire countless others to seek truth, follow the righteous path, and, above all, believe in the transformative power of art.