Chhayanaut mourns the loss of Sanjida Khatun

Today at 12 PM, the coffin of revered musician Sanjida Khatun was brought to Chhayanaut Cultural Center. Cultural activists, journalists, artistes, teachers, students, and staff gathered at the venue to bid their final farewell to her with songs, floral tributes, and heartfelt love.

Sanjida Khatun was one of the founding figures of Chhayanaut. Several organisations, including 'Shurer Dhara', 'Bangladesh Muktijuddho Mancha', 'Dhaka Theatre', 'Liberation War Museum', and 'Kanthashilan', paid tribute to her with floral offerings.

"In 1966, when I was 14 years old, I joined Chhayanaut to learn music. From that time on, I received the affectionate care and love of Sanjida Khatun Apa. Even though she is no longer with us, she will always remain in my heart," said renowned singer Shaheen Samad, who had visited Chhayanaut to bid farewell to Sanjida Khatun. 

Popular singer Khurshid Alam grieved the loss of the musician as well. 

He said, "Even while being unwell, she only regretted not being able to teach. Her immense love for music and Chhayanaut is why she earned so much respect and affection in the world of music. That is why I consider her the mother of music," shared Khurshid Alam. 

From Chhayanaut, her coffin was taken to the Bengali Department of Dhaka University. At 2:30 PM, it was moved to the Central Shaheed Minar, where people from all walks of life paid their last respects until 4 PM. Later, her body was placed in a morgue.

Sanjida Khatun passed away on 25 March at a private hospital in Dhaka while undergoing treatment. She was around 92 years old.