The body of iconic folk singer Farida Parveen will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka this morning (Sept 14), allowing people from all walks of life—including fellow artistes and admirers—to pay their final respects before her burial in Kushtia.

According to her husband, renowned flutist Ustad Gazi Abdul Hakim, Farida's body will remain at the Shaheed Minar for about an hour, giving the public an opportunity to bid her a final farewell.

Earlier in the day, her body was taken to Ochhin Pakhi, a music school, followed by her first namaz-e-janaza at the Tejgaon Tazkunipara Mosque at 9am.

Following the tribute at the Shaheed Minar, the body will be moved to the Dhaka University Central Mosque for a second janaza. After completing all religious rites, she will be transported to Kushtia, where she will be buried next to her parents in the town's municipal graveyard.

Born on December 31, 1954, in Singra, Natore, Farida Parveen began her professional music career in 1968 at just 14 years old. Over the next 55 years, she captivated audiences with her evocative interpretations of Lalon songs, particularly "Khachan Bhitor Ochin Pakhi" and "Barir Kache Arshinagar."

Though she initially trained in Nazrul Sangeet and modern music, it was her lifelong dedication to the works of mystic bard Lalon Shah that defined her legacy. Her renditions not only preserved Lalon’s philosophical lyrics and tunes but also popularized them across generations. Admirers affectionately dubbed her "Lalon Kanya" for her soulful delivery of the bard’s compositions.

Farida Parveen passed away last night (Sept 13) at a city hospital at the age of 71.

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