Special recognition for Singer Sabina Yasmin at Shilpakala

Sabina Yasmin rendering a song. Photo- Samsul Alam Hady-UNB

Dhaka, Sep 8 — The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), honoured legendary singer Sabina Yasmin with a special recognition on Sunday evening at the National Theatre Hall of the Academy, followed by her solo musical performance.

Anchored by noted actor Afzal Hossain, the programme, titled 'Shudhu Gaan Geye Porichoy', began with a one-minute silence in memory of recently deceased writer and researcher Badruddin Umar.

A documentary featuring reflections on Yasmin from Syed Abdul Hadi, Naquib Khan, Richard Kishore, Partha Barua, Chandan Dutta, Maksud Jamil Mintu, Habib Wahid, Asifur Rahman Agun, Zahid Nirob, Foad Nasser Babu and Sunil Chandra, was then screened; followed by a dance performance by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy artistes on the song 'Gitimoy Sei Din Chirodin Bujhi Ar Elo Na'.

Welcoming the audience, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “If anyone wants to dominate, they first deny your history and then your culture - that is always the first step of an invasion; but in today’s Bangladesh, we want to address both. Tonight, we celebrate one of our greatest cultural treasures, Sabina Yasmin — not only through her music, but also with recognition from the state.”

Farooki added, “This honour was planned from the Cultural Affairs Ministry; but yesterday evening, when I asked our Chief Adviser if this recognition could be given from his office, he immediately said he would be humbled to do that.”

On behalf of the government, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud handed over the honour to Yasmin, saying, “She is truly our pride and legend. I still remember, as a young university student in the late 1960s, Sabina Yasmin was already a source of glory for us at the dawn of Bangla cinema and music.”

Among the distinguished guests were Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman, and BSA Secretary and acting Director General Mohammad Wares Hossain.

Tributes followed as singers and artistes reminisced about Sabina Yasmin. Veteran singer Khurshid Alam said, “Sabina Apa’s songs enriched Bangla music immensely. Thanks to her musically inclined family, we got such a treasure."

"I thank the Ministry and Shilpakala Academy for honouring her in her lifetime, though I regret they didn’t even have my address when inviting me, which is unfortunate,” Khurshid Alam said at the event.

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said, “Sabina Yasmin was the artiste of our youth, and I am elated to be here. We once reached a stage where foreign aggression engulfed our culture; now we want to move forward, and I wish Sabina Yasmin a long life. Thanks to the ministry for organising such a programme — may it continue.”

Popular singer and Yasmin’s nephew Agun said, “Although she is my aunt, whenever I hear her name, I tremble. One of my most popular songs, 'Prithibite Sukh Bole Jodi Kichhu Theke Thake', was a duet with her — that is my pride.” At Yasmin’s invitation, the two performed part of the song together.

Souls frontman and singer-actor Partha Barua said, “By the number of hit songs, no one surpasses Sabina Apa. I request her to keep blessing today’s singers.”

From the Bulbul Ahmed Foundation Trust, Yasmin was greeted by actor Bulbul Ahmed’s wife Daisy Ahmed and daughter Oindrila Ahmed. Golden-era actress Nutan also came on stage to congratulate her.

Singer Abida Sultana said, “I used to try to copy Sabina Apa, but I could never match her. She never compromised the emotions of a song, nor the way it should fit the actress on screen.”

Singer Ferdous Ara said, “Music heritage doesn’t appear suddenly — it needs family. Many of her family members established themselves in music. Thanks to the ministry for this programme. This is not just a ‘legendary’ recognition — it is a ‘queen-dary’ honour.”

Rafiqul Alam recalled duets with Yasmin and said, “She is a divine gift for us.” He then sang 'Antore Antor' with her.

Singer Naquib Khan of Renaissance said, “I feel honoured to honour Sabina Apa, and alongside greeting the ministry and BSA, I request them to ensure royalty and intellectual property rights for our songs.”

Supporting this, Sabina Yasmin said, “Perhaps Bangladesh is the only country where artistes don’t get royalties. This must change — our songs must bring us royalties.” Notably, she heads the Board of Trustees of BLCPS (Bangladesh Lyricist Composers & Performers Society), the first collective management organisation in Bangladesh’s music industry.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Farooki later assured artistes that the government is working to protect intellectual property rights and will launch a platform ensuring 100 percent royalties for singers and musicians. 

The evening concluded with Yasmin’s solo concert featuring 10 of her most celebrated numbers: 'Sundor Suborno Tarunnyo Labonnyo', 'Ami Rojonigondhya Phul er Moto', 'Phul Jodi Jhore Giye', 'Koto Sadhonay Emon Bhaggo Mele', 'Osru Diye Lekha Ei Gaan', 'Ei Mon Tomake Dilam', 'Ami Achhi Thakbo', 'Isharay Sheesh Diye', 'Shudhu Gaan Geye Porichoy', and lastly 'She Je Keno Elo Na' (with everyone).

The eminent singer acknowledged the lyricists and music producers of each song before every performance, sharing her profound gratefulness. She also introduced the Orchestra members which included eminent musicians of Bangladesh.

Born in September 4, 1954 into a musical family, Yasmin has recorded some 16,000 songs across genres, from film playback to Nazrul, Tagore, and folk. She is the only singer to win 15 National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer, and a recipient of the Ekushey Padak (1984) and Independence Award (1996).

Her contributions have also been recognised abroad, including an honorary doctorate in 1985. - UNB