Thousands of people gathered at Chhayanaut Cultural Center to pay their final respects to the renowned cultural figure, Sanjida Khatun, as she passed away on March 25, 2025.
Known for her immense contribution to Bangladesh`s cultural landscape, she was a key figure in the founding of Chhayanaut and played a significant role in its development.
Her passing has left the cultural community in deep sorrow.
The memorial began on Wednesday, March 26, when her coffin was brought to Chhayanaut Cultural Center for the last time.
With flowers in their hands and tears in their eyes, family, friends, and fellow cultural workers, including artists and journalists, gathered to say goodbye.
The air was filled with heartfelt tributes and music.
Renowned artists Shahin Samad and Bulbul Islam performed touching songs, including "Tumi Je Surer Aagun Lagaye Dile Mor Prane" and "Kanna Hasir Dol Dolano."
Sanjida Khatun passed away on March 25 in a private hospital in Dhaka at the age of 92.
She was not only a celebrated artist and cultural activist but also served as the president of Chhayanaut for a period.
Throughout the years, she held the torch for Chhayanaut, outliving many of the founding members, and played a pivotal role in keeping the institution alive and well.
Known affectionately as “Minu Apa” or “Minu Khala” by those close to her, she was the heart and soul of Chhayanaut, and her loss has left a deep void in the institution.
Tributes poured in from all corners of the cultural community. Many shared their fond memories of her, expressing how much she meant to them.
Sanjida Khatun’s funeral ceremony was marked by several emotional moments.
Cultural leaders, including Fahmida Khatun, Ramendu Majumdar, Khurshid Alam, Shahin Samad, Selina Malek Chowdhury, and others, gathered to pay their respects.
Fellow musicians and performers such as Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Partha Tanveer Nabed, Ruchira Tabassum, and many others also performed songs to honor her.
Mofidul Haq, the Vice President of Chhayanaut and a renowned essayist, spoke about her lasting impact on the organization.
"The grand celebrations of Pohela Boishakh, which have become a major event, were made possible because of Sanjida Khatun. She connected Chhayanaut with the broader society. She will always remain alive in the hearts of the people she touched," he said.
The tribute was concluded with the national anthem and "Agnir Parashmoni," a symbolic song of respect, in the courtyard of Chhayanaut.
In addition to family and colleagues, many cultural organizations, including Surer Dhara, Bangladesh Muktijuddho Mancha, Dhaka Theatre, Muktijuddho Jadughar, and Kanthashilon, paid their respects with flowers.
After the ceremony at Chhayanaut, Sanjida Khatun’s coffin was taken to the Bengali Department at Dhaka University.
At 2:30 PM, it was brought to the Central Shaheed Minar, where the public was invited to pay their last respects until 4 PM.
After the public farewell, the coffin was scheduled to be taken to the morgue.
However, the family has yet to finalize further arrangements.
This heartfelt farewell marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s cultural history.
Sanjida Khatun’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her and were influenced by her remarkable contributions.
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