Lyricist, composer, and renowned Islamic thinker Abu Zafar, the creator of numerous timeless songs such as "Ei Padma Ei Meghna" and "Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam" has passed away at the age of 82. 

He passed away at 3:30 am today (December 6) while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka, said his daughter Jihan Faria.

Zafar, best known for timeless songs such as ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’ and ‘Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam’, had a profound impact on Bangladesh’s music and cultural landscape. 

His death marks the end of an era for the nation’s music industry, where his contributions as a poet, composer, and musician left an indelible mark.

He will be laid to rest in Kushtia Municipal Graveyard after his Namaz-e-Jana at Kushtia Government College field, following Asr prayers. He is survived by two sons and one daughter.

Born on May 15, 1943, in Kanchanpur village, Kushtia district, Abu Zafar was a regular figure on Rajshahi and Dhaka Betar (radio) and Bangladesh Television, where his music reached countless listeners. 

His professional journey also saw him serve as a professor of Bengali at Chuadanga and Kushtia Government Colleges, from which he retired in 2000.

A celebrated figure of both modern and patriotic songs, Zafar’s works like ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’, ‘Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mallikadir Naam’, and ‘Nindar Kata Jodi Na Bidhilo Gaaye’ continue to resonate with generations of listeners. Among his many accolades, ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’ was recognized as one of the top 20 greatest songs of all time in a BBC survey. Zafar not only wrote and composed many of his masterpieces but also lent his own voice to many of his songs, occasionally performing duets with his ex-wife, the legendary Lalon singer Farida Parveen.

In addition to his music, Zafar authored several books, including ‘Notun Raatri Purono Din’ and ‘Tumi Raat Ami Raatjaga Pakhi’. 

BDST: 1409 HRS, DEC 06, 2024
MN