Cultural icon Sanjida Khatun bidden adieu at Chhayanaut

Sanjida Khatun being given final farewell at Chayanaut on Wednesday. UNB

Dhaka, Mar 26 – People from all walks of life, including artists and cultural activists, thronged the Chhayanaut Bhaban on Wednesday noon to pay their final respects to Dr Sanjida Khatun, one of the founders and the immediate-past President of Chhayanaut.

A legendary figure in Bangladesh’s cultural arena, Dr Sanjida Khatun was known for her multifaceted contributions as a singer, writer, researcher, organizer, musicologist, and teacher. Her profound impact left researchers and admirers in awe, as no single identity could define her legacy.

The line of mourners extended beyond the building, reaching Dhanmondi 27. Cultural organizations that Dr Khatun helped shape — including Chhayanaut, Nalanda, and Kanthashilon — along with many other prominent groups such as Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad, Shurer Dhara, Bangladesh Gram Theatre, Dhaka Theatre, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, Rabindra Sangeet Shilpi Sangstha and others gathered to honor her with floral tributes, alongside the teachers, students, guardians, and individuals from various sectors.

Cultural personalities including filmmaker Morshedul Islam, singer Khurshid Alam, theater personalities Ramendu Majumdar, Tropa Majumdar, and M Hamid; artist and Fine Arts Professor Abul Barq Alvi; film educator Manzar-e-Hasin Murad; President of the Bangladesh Dancers' Association Minu Haque; recitation artist Bhaskar Bandopadhyay; Professor Shafi Ahmed; theater director Nayla Azad Nupur; singers Chandana Majumdar, Adity Mohsin, Shaheen Samad, and Bulbul Islam; General Secretary of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation Kamal Bayezid; dancer Shamim Ara Nipa; First Secretary (Culture) at the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh Ann Mary George; film activist Belayet Hossain Mamun and others.

Speaking on the occasion, Chhayanaut Vice President Mofidul Hoque said, "The massive celebration of the Bengali New Year at Ramna Batamul, which has become an emotional symbol for millions, was made possible because of Sanjida Khatun. She traveled across the country, taught music, researched, and loved people — she will live on through her extraordinary contributions."

At around 1:15 pm, Dr Khatun's body was taken from Chhayanaut to the Department of Bangla at Dhaka University, where she had served as a Professor for many years.

Later, at 2:30 pm, her coffin was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar, where people from all walks of life gathered to bid a final farewell.

Following the tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar, her body was transferred to a hospital mortuary. Her family has not yet announced the details of the next formalities.

Dr Sanjida Khatun passed away at Square Hospital on Tuesday at the age of 92. She had been undergoing treatment for kidney complications and other age-related ailments for a week. - UNB