The first death anniversary of iconic Bangladeshi rockstar and former Miles frontman Shafin Ahmed is being observed on Thursday, marking a year since the celebrated vocalist and bassist passed away in Virginia, United States, at the age of 63.
On July 24 last year, during the July mass movement and internet blackout, Shafin died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment after falling ill before a scheduled concert — the second show of his US tour — in Virginia. His body was brought to Bangladesh on July 30, and he was buried at the Banani Graveyard on the same day.
Marking the legendary rockstar's maiden death anniversary, tributes have been pouring in from musicians, fellow artists, record labels, and fans across the country and abroad on social platforms.
Miles, where Shafin served as lead vocalist and bassist for decades, remembered their late vocalist-bassist in a social media tribute: “Today marks the first death anniversary of Shafin Ahmed. He left behind his magical voice, unique bass grooves and timeless songs, which will live forever in Bangla music. May Allah (SWT) grant him eternal peace. Please keep him in your prayers.”
His elder brother and longtime Miles bandmate Hamin Ahmed said, “One of the most iconic music personalities, a true rockstar of Bangladesh, left us on this day. His voice, style, bass grooves and unforgettable songs live on. Please pray for Shafin Ahmed.”
Popular rock band Warfaze drummer and band leader Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu wrote: “A legend, a warrior, an artist — Shafin Bhai elevated Bangladeshi music through his voice and vision. His presence, bass-playing and musical sense continue to live on in the hearts of countless listeners.”
Remembering the iconic rock legend, singer Alif Alauddin shared one of her Facebook posts from 2021, featuring a rendition of Shafin Ahmed playing and singing the song ‘Shukhe Thako O Amar Nandini’, originally composed by her late father Alauddin Ali. She wrote: “Shafin Bhai, I never got to bid you farewell, but I’m glad I told you time and again that I was your biggest fan. You are missed every day. Thank you for this beautiful version.”
Shafin Ahmed, Hassan Abidur Reja Jewel laid to rest at Banani Graveyard
Musician and composer Shouquat Ali Imon recalled, “Exactly one year ago, Shafin Bhai joined my National Award celebration and gifted me flowers. He was smiling and interacting with everyone warmly — just like always. Life is truly unpredictable. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.”
Record label Gaanchil Music also paid tribute to the revered artist on a Facebook post: “Today, we remember Shafin Ahmed.... with sorrow and deep respect for the legend he was and the legacy he leaves behind. In solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute, we honour the voice that touched countless hearts.”
Born on February 14, 1961, in Kolkata’s West Bengal, India, to the subcontinent’s pioneering music artists Kamal Dasgupta and Feroza Begum, the popular Bangladeshi rock bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer, Shafin Ahmed, has cemented his legacy with the Miles band, which he joined with brother Hamin Ahmed in 1980.
The songs of Shafin Ahmed's voice in the tune of Manam Ahmed started setting milestones one after another, including popular tracks like 'Phirye Dao', 'Dhikhi Dhikhi', 'Chand Tara', ‘Jala Jala’, 'Piyashi Mon' and more.
Despite his creative disputes with his bandmates at Miles because of which he left and rejoined the band several times, Shafin Ahmed performed and collaborated on every album of the band, starting with ‘Miles’ (1982) and progressing to ‘A Step Farther’ (1986), ‘Protisruti’ (the band’s maiden Bengali album, 1991), ‘Prottasha’ (1993), ‘Prottoy’ (1996), ‘Proyash’ (1997), ‘Probaho’ (2000), ‘Protiddhoni’ (2006), ‘Proticchobi’ (2015), and ‘Proborton’ (2016).
Shafin Ahmed simultaneously established himself as one of the country's most popular and iconic singers in the music industry, thanks to his popular songs, including “Aj Jonmodin Tomar,” which is often regarded as the anthem of birthday celebrations in the country. Written and composed by eminent music producer Prince Mahmud, the song was first featured in Prince’s mixed album ‘Daag Theke Jay’ (2004).
He also released several solo albums, including ‘Tomakey’ (1987), ‘Pagla Ghonti’ (1998), ‘Chobi Ar Sritigulo’ (1999), ‘Best of Shafin Ahmed’ (2001), ‘Kotodin Dekhina Tomay’ (2006), ‘Virus’ (2006), ‘Harano Shukh’ (2007), ‘My Love Songs’ (2010), and ‘Mone Pore Aj’ (Nazrul Songs, as a tribute to his mother Feroza Begum, 2016).
Rock icon Shafin Ahmed’s body arrives home, burial Today
In his later years, he became involved in politics, joining the National Democratic Movement (NDM) in 2017 and subsequently the Jatiya Party in 2018, holding key positions in both organisations. He also contested the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) election in 2019 for the Mayor position from the Jatiya Party.
As fans and peers remember him today, Shafin Ahmed remains immortal through the music he created and the legacy he left behind.