The 93rd birth anniversary of cultural icon and recently deceased Chhayanaut President Sanjida Khatun was celebrated at the Chhayanaut Auditorium, Dhanmondi in the capital on Friday night through a family-organised commemorative event. The event paid tribute to the uncompromising cultural personality through an evening of performances featuring her favourite songs, verses, and reflections on her life and legacy. As a central feature of the tribute, several of Sanjida Khatun’s songs which were originally recorded in her own voice, projected throughout the event. These emotionally resonant renditions served as a focal point of the programme, accompanied by live performances from a host of esteemed artistes who paid homage through music and spoken word. The evening began with the projection of "Akash Hote Akash Pothe" in Sanjida Khatun’s voice, followed by a group performance of "Din Shesher Ranga Mukul." Sayantani Twisha then recited a passage, after which another of Sanjida Khatun’s songs, "Amar Ekti Kotha Banshi Jane," was presented. The programme continued with another group song "Phul Bole Dhonno Ami," followed by solo musical performances such as "Dinanto Belay" by Fahmida Khatun and "Sokal Belar Aloy Baje" by Mahmuda Khatun, sisters of Sanjida Khatun. They also shared their heartfelt memories of their legendary singer. Another prerecorded rendition of Sanjida Khatun song "Jodi Prem Dile Na Prane" was also then featured, and audience members were treated to a variety of performances throughout the evening, including "Asa Jawar Pother Dhare" by a group ensemble, "Prothom Prodip Jwalo" by Khairul Anam Shakil, and the projection of "Amar Bhubon To Aaj Holo Kangal" in Sanjida Khatun’s voice. Other notable performances included the group song "Tomar Surer Dhara," "Tumi Je Cheye Acho" by Selina Malek Chowdhury, and the recitation "Pran, Jonmodin" by Jayanto Chattopadhyay. Iffat Ara Dewan presented the song and narration "Shraboner Dharar Moto Poruk Jhoro," followed by the projection of "Jete Dao Gelo Jara." The programme also featured a group rendition of "Jibon Amar Cholchhe Temoni Bhabe" and "Ar Amare Maris Na Ma" by Chandana Majumdar. A heartfelt remembrance speech was delivered by Chhayanaut Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali before the evening concluded with the group songs "E Shudhu Olosh Maya," "Modhur Tomar Shesh Je Na Pai," and the final projected track of Sanjida Khatun’s voice, "Ebar Dukkho Amar Oshim Pathar." The event served as a deeply moving celebration of Sanjida Khatun’s life and legacy, reflecting her unwavering dedication to culture, truth, and the spirit of Bengali identity. Dr Sanjida Khatun passed away on March 25, Tuesday, at the age of 92.  

Renowned cultural personality and President of Chhayanaut, Dr Sanjida Khatun, passed away at Square Hospital in the capital on Tuesday. She was 92. Chhayanaut confirmed the news through a press release, stating that she had been admitted to the hospital for a week. She had been suffering from kidney complications and other age-related ailments and required regular dialysis. Her body will be taken to Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in the capital's Dhanmondi at 12:30 pm on Wednesday (March 26) for people to pay their last respects. Born on April 4, 1933, Sanjida Khatun came from a distinguished family. Her father, National Professor Kazi Motahar Hossain, was a renowned scholar, while her mother, Sajeda Khatun, was a homemaker. She was also the sister of eminent writer Kazi Anwar Hossain and the wife of noted Rabindra Sangeet exponent Wahidul Haque. Sanjida was a trailblazing figure in Bangladesh’s cultural arena — a Rabindra Sangeet singer, researcher, author, musicologist, and educator. She was one of the founding members of Chhayanaut in the early 1960s and later served as its President until her demise. She also co-founded the Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad and served as the President of Nalanda, an innovative child education institution. Sanjida completed her BA Honours from Dhaka University in 1955 and obtained her Master’s degree from Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, in 1957. In 1978, she earned her PhD on the philosophical essence of Rabindra Sangeet. She began her teaching career at Eden College, later teaching at Carmichael College and the Department of Bangla at Dhaka University until her retirement. During the 1971 Liberation War, Sanjida was one of the founders of the Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha, which played a crucial role in boosting the morale of freedom fighters through cultural performances. Throughout her illustrious career, she was honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Literary Award, Nazrul Gold Medal, Rabindra Smriti Award, and Rabindra Tattwacharya title. In 2021, the Government of India conferred upon her the Padma Shri award. She was also honoured with the Desikottama Honorary D.Litt and many other national and international accolades. Chhayanaut expressed deep sorrow over her passing, stating that her contributions to the cultural landscape of Bangladesh will be remembered forever.