Sanjida Khatun, a leading figure in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape, a distinguished musicologist, and one of the founding members of Chhayanaut, has passed away. She breathed her last at 3:10 PM on Tuesday at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Square Hospital in Dhaka (Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un). She had been admitted to the hospital for a week before her demise. The news of her passing was confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, who also serves as the General Secretary of Chhayanaut.
Suffering from diabetes, pneumonia, and kidney disease for an extended period, Sanjida Khatun had been hospitalized multiple times in the past due to these health complications, according to Lisa. Her son, Partha Tanvir Naved, has announced that a public tribute will be held on Wednesday at 12:30 PM at Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, where admirers and well-wishers will have the opportunity to pay their last respects.
Several cultural organizations, including Chhayanaut, Udichi, Charan, and the Department of Bangla at Dhaka University, have expressed their deep sorrow at the loss of Sanjida Khatun. Her contributions to the enrichment of Bengali culture and intellectual heritage remain unparalleled.
Born on April 4, 1933, Sanjida Khatun hailed from a family of scholars. Her father, Kazi Motahar Hossain, was a National Professor of Bangladesh, while her mother, Sajeda Khatun, was a homemaker. She pursued her academic journey in Bengali literature, earning her bachelor’s degree from Dhaka University in 1954, followed by a master’s degree from Visva-Bharati University in India in 1955, and later a PhD in 1978. She embarked on a long and distinguished career in academia, serving as a professor in the Bengali Department at Dhaka University for many years.
Sanjida Khatun remained a fearless voice against injustice throughout her life. She actively participated in the Language Movement of 1952 as a student at Dhaka University and continued to raise her voice against socio-political injustices in the country. Her passion for preserving and promoting Bengali culture was evident in every aspect of her life.
Under the leadership of artist Kamrul Hasan, Sanjida Khatun joined the Bratachari movement and began her musical training under Sohrab Hossain, who introduced her to Nazrul Sangeet, modern Bengali songs, and folk music. She first learned Rabindra Sangeet from the esteemed Husne Banur Khanam and later honed her skills under the tutelage of eminent figures such as Shailajaranjan Majumdar, Abdul Ahad, Kanika Banerjee, and Nilima Sen.
Her contributions to Rabindra Sangeet and cultural activism are monumental. She was instrumental in the formation and leadership of Chhayanaut, a cultural organization that played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s socio-cultural awakening. Founded in the 1960s, Chhayanaut became a guiding force for Bengali identity, especially during the turbulent years leading to the country’s independence in 1971. In post-independence Bangladesh, Sanjida Khatun continued to lead Chhayanaut with unwavering dedication, ensuring that it remained a stronghold against cultural regression and religious extremism.
Over the decades, Chhayanaut has faced numerous challenges, including direct attacks from fundamentalist groups, most notably during the 2001 Bengali New Year celebrations. However, under Sanjida Khatun’s steadfast leadership, the organization stood resilient, emphasizing the power of culture in countering extremism and intolerance. Recognizing the growing need for structured cultural education, she played a pivotal role in expanding Chhayanaut’s activities beyond music and performance into academic and cultural research, ensuring a legacy that would endure for generations.
As a scholar and mentor, she transcended the boundaries of music to integrate literature, philosophy, and social consciousness into her teachings. Her deep-rooted belief in Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophy shaped her vision for a culturally enriched, secular, and progressive Bangladesh. Her commitment to education and culture led to the establishment of Chhayanaut Sangeet Vidyayatan, an institution that continues to train and inspire young talents in Rabindra Sangeet and other traditional art forms.
In an era marked by globalization and commercialization, where material pursuits often overshadow cultural and intellectual growth, Sanjida Khatun remained a steadfast advocate for cultural integrity and artistic excellence. She believed in the transformative power of music and literature to shape individual character and societal values.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. Bangladesh has lost a luminary whose life was dedicated to the preservation and promotion of its rich cultural heritage. As the nation mourns her departure, her contributions will be remembered not just as history but as an enduring influence on the cultural and intellectual landscape of the country.