Musician Jewel loses battle to cancer

After battling cancer for 11 long years, Hasan Abidur Reza Jewel passed away at a private hospital in the capital on Tuesday (July 30).

His family sources confirmed the news.

Jewel had been receiving treatment in various hospitals both in Bangladesh and abroad. 

His wife, Sangeeta Ahmed, had previously informed the media that Jewel had been in palliative care since October. 

Recently, his condition worsened, leading to his hospitalization in Dhaka where he was placed on life support.

Family sources disclosed that Jewel was first diagnosed with liver cancer in 2011. The cancer later spread to his lungs and bones, requiring ongoing treatment both domestically and internationally.

Rising through the ranks

Jewel is best known as a singer, but his contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond music to include producing television shows, documentaries, and hosting various programs. His career, which spans multiple decades and mediums, has had a profound influence on the entertainment industry.

Jewel‍‍`s entry into the music scene was significant in the 1990s when band music was gaining popularity. His diverse cultural exposure, stemming from his banker father‍‍`s job that required frequent relocations, enriched his upbringing. With encouragement from his parents, Jewel began his musical journey at a young age, learning to sing from a neighbor in first grade and performing on stage by the fourth grade.

In 1986, Jewel moved to Dhaka, where he became deeply involved in the city‍‍`s literary and cultural activities, particularly around Dhaka University. This period marked the beginning of his connections with various media outlets, setting the stage for his illustrious career.

Jewel‍‍`s musical career began with his debut album, *Kuasha Prohor*, released in 1993. 

He continued to release several albums over the years, including *Ek Bikelle* (1994), *Amar Ache Ondhokar* (1995), *Ekta Manush* (1996), *Dekha Hobe Na* (1997), *Besi Kichu Noy* (1998), *Bedona Shudhu Bedona* (1999), *Firti Pothe* (2003), *Dorja Khola Bari* (2009), and *Emon Keno Holo* (2017).