United News of Bangladesh

Prominent Indian singer-songwriter, politician, and cultural personality Kabir Suman has withdrawn his decision to donate his body after death, a commitment he made nearly four years ago. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the renowned musician wrote, “Ramadan Mubarak. I want to inform everyone that some time ago, I announced on Facebook that I had donated my body and did not wish for any religious funeral rites. After much thought, I have changed my decision. I am withdrawing my wish to donate my body.” Will Smith still grappling with Oscars ‘slap gate’ fallout He added, “I want to be buried in Kolkata, preferably in Gobra, following Islamic traditions. This is my final decision, and I have informed some of my close relatives.” Suman also made it clear that he does not want any criticism or opinions regarding his decision. “I do not want any comments or opinions on this announcement,” he wrote. The singer, born in a Hindu Brahmin family in India’s Odisha on March 16, 1949, as Suman Chattopadhyay, gained immense popularity in the 1990s for introducing a unique musical style blending poetry with melody. In 2000, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Kabir Suman, clarifying that he took the name Kabir after Sheikh Kabir, a Bengali Muslim poet who wrote ‘Baishnab Padabali.’ His groundbreaking album ‘Tomake Chai,’ released in April 1992, revolutionised Bengali music. Since then, the singer has remained a celebrated figure in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Beyond music, he was also involved in politics, supporting Mamata Banerjee during the Nandigram and Singur movements. He later became a Member of Parliament from Jadavpur under the Trinamool Congress but eventually parted ways with the party due to ideological differences. Kabir Suman has maintained a deep connection with Bangladesh, which began with his first visit to Dhaka in 1996 to perform at a fundraising concert for the Liberation War Museum. Since 2000, he has been married to the iconic Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin. Robert Pattinson jokes about ageing as Batman amid sequel delay More recently, Dhaka hosted a special event titled “Tomake Chai-er 30 Bochor Udjapon” to celebrate 30 years of his iconic album ‘Tomake Chai’.

Eminent Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin returned home on Tuesday after receiving treatment for three days at a private hospital in Dhanmondi. “Doctors have discharged Sabina Yasmin, stating her condition is now stable. She has no major complications but has been advised to rest extensively,” music artist Jahangir Sayeed told the media. Sabina Yasmin fell ill on stage last Friday during her first live performance in over a year. This was a special tribute event by the HSBC Bank Bangladesh at the Grand Ballroom in the capital’s Hotel Sheraton, marking her stage return. The 70-year-old singer had captivated the audience for over an hour before suddenly feeling unwell. She was initially taken to a hospital in Gulshan but was later shifted to the Dhanmondi hospital when her condition worsened early Saturday morning. Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin in HDU Sabina Yasmin, a legendary figure in the Bangladeshi music scene, was born on September 4, 1954, in Dhaka. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Sociology from Dhaka University. Hailing from a culturally vibrant family, she made her first stage appearance at the age of seven; her playback debut came in 1962 with the film ‘Notun Sur’, and she rose to prominence with the 1967 movie ‘Agun Niye Khela’. Over her six-decade-long career, she has worked with renowned composers like RD Burman, Hemanta Mukherjee, and Ahmed Imtiaz Bulbul, to name a few; and collaborated with major artists in the subcontinent such as Shyamal Mitra and Asha Bhosle. Sabina Yasmin has lent her voice to over 10,000 songs, including the iconic patriotic track ‘Jonmo Amar Dhonno Holo Mago’, which inspired freedom fighters during the 1971 Liberation War. Sabina Yasmin has received the highest state honours and numerous other accolades for her contributions to music, including the Ekushey Padak (1984), the Independence Award (1996), and 14 National Film Awards. Her fans and well-wishers across the country are hoping for her speedy recovery and a return to good health.

The official theme song for the grand opening of Padma Bridge has been composed by renowned singer-music composer Kishore Das, who said that it was a great honour to be a part of the historic occasion. On Sunday night, Kishore Das shared his expression of gratitude regarding the project through a Facebook post from his verified page, describing the workflow of the song. “Marking the occasion of the inauguration of Padma Bridge, I had the wonderful opportunity to sing and compose the 'Official Theme Song' of the inauguration event,” Kishore expressed his excitement. The video of this song was made by the initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on top of the Padma Bridge, the singer-composer added. The theme song goes like: “Tumi obichol, dreero protiggo - tumi dhumketu, Bangabandhu diyechhen desh, tumi dile Padma Setu.” Alongside Kishore, legendary and prominent singers including Sabina Yasmin, Rafiqul Alam, Kumar Bishwajit, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Momotaz Begum, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Bappa Mazumder, Imran Mahmudul and Nishita Barua also performed in the song.