United News of Bangladesh

Eminent Lalon singer and Ekushey Padak-winning artiste Farida Parveen has been suffering from multi-organ failure, said Managing Director of Universal Medical College Hospital Dr Ashis Kumar Chakraborty. She was put on support at the hospital on Wednesday. Dr Ashis said they formed a medical board earlier in the day and physicians are making their best efforts to stabilise her condition. “Her blood pressure showed slight improvement today compared to yesterday when it dropped to a very alarming level,” Dr Ashis told UNB. “She is under round-the-clock observation while family members including her doctor daughter-in-law are closely monitoring her treatment.” Parveen, who has long been battling kidney complications, requires dialysis twice a week. Khaleda urges govt to ensure advanced treatment for singer Farida Parveen She was admitted to Universal Medical College Hospital on September 2 for routine dialysis, but her condition worsened afterwards, prompting doctors to shift her to the ICU. On Tuesday, her son Imam Zafar Numanee urged people not to spread misinformation regarding his mother’s illness or seek donations in her name. In a Facebook post, he said the singer’s treatment is being properly managed under the country’s top doctors with full cooperation from the authorities concerned. He also clarified that the family does not require any financial support for her treatment. “We humbly request everyone to avoid any kind of financial transactions based on misleading information, and to pray for her recovery,” he wrote. Parveen has been admitted to ICU four times over the past six months due to recurring health complications. At present, both of her kidneys have stopped functioning, and her condition remains critical because of multi-organ failure, according to her family. Born in December 31, 1954, Farida Parveen began her musical journey as a listed singer at Rajshahi Betar in 1968, performing Nazrul songs. She gained recognition in 1973 through patriotic songs before receiving formal training in Lalon music under Moksed Ali Shah, emerging as a living legend of the genre. In 1987, she was awarded the Ekushey Padak for her outstanding contribution to music. She also established ‘Achin Pakhi School’ to teach Lalon songs to the younger generation.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday called upon Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus to take steps to ensure the best possible treatment for legendary Lalon singer Farida Parveen as her health condition has deteriorated. "Farida Parveen is a unique figure in Lalon music and one of the most beloved singers in Bangladesh. She has had a strong influence in the music world for many years and has maintained her position with dignity,” he said. The BNP leader made the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting the ailing singer at Universal Medical College and Hospital (Ayesha Memorial Hospital) in Mohakhali area.  The noted 70-year-old singer has been receiving treatment in the ICU of the hospital since July 5. Fakhrul said the singer is now in critical condition, mainly due to kidney problems and other complications. Hasina can’t escape justice for ‘reign of terror’: Fakhrul “The hospital authorities and doctors are taking good care of her, but her condition remains critical. I appeal to the government to form a special board for the treatment of such a talented and respected singer, who is admired worldwide,” he said. The BNP leader also urged the government to make all necessary arrangements so that she can receive the best possible treatment, even if that means sending her abroad. “This is what the nation wants… I appeal to the Chief Adviser to personally take the initiative to ensure she gets the highest possible treatment,” he said. Farida Parveen has long been suffering from diabetes and various other health issues, along with kidney problems. During his visit, the BNP Secretary General spoke to the doctors and enquired about her treatment. He also talked to a member of the singer’s family and handed over financial support on behalf of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman. BNP Media Cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan said Fakhrul spoke by phone with two government advisers—Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki and Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul—urging them to take steps for Farida Parveen’s treatment. BNP’s Cultural Affairs Secretary Ashraf Uddin Uzzal, Assistant Cultural Secretary Saeed Sohrab, and Jasas President Helal Khan and General Secretary Zakir Hossain Rokon were also present.