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.