The last journey of Lalon's daughter Farida Parveen: People gather at Shaheed Minar

Eyes filled with tears, flowers in hand—Despite the torrential rain, artists, cultural activists and ordinary people turned up at Dhaka's Central Shaheed Minar to pay their last respects to Farida Parveen. Legendary lalon giti singer Farida Parveen died at a Dhaka hospital at 10:15 pm on Saturday while undergoing treatment. Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed deep shock at her death.

Farida Parveen's body reached Shaheed Minar at 11:50 am today. The last rites were organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, with the cooperation of Bangladesh Nationalist Social Organization (JASAS). Singer Runa Laila participated in the ceremony through a video call and paid tribute to Farida Parveen. Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md. Mofidur Rahman and many others paid floral tributes.

BNP's cultural affairs secretary and film actor Ujjwal said, "We have lost a legendary artist. This void cannot be filled." Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam said, "Farida Parveen made an outstanding contribution to the spread of patriotic songs and songs of lalon. In her last life, she lived as a 'lalon sadhak', which identifies her as a unique artist and cultural activist."

Despite the heavy rain, the presence of ordinary people at Shaheed Minar was noticeable. Ali Arif Akbar, the custodian of Tawheed Pathshala, rushed from Keraniganj. He said, "She easily spread the message of lalon among the people and brought the songs of Baul to Dhaka."

Farida Parveen's husband, flute player Gazi Abdul Hakim, said, "On behalf of the family, I thank those who came to pay their respects."

After paying homage at Shaheed Minar, the funeral was held at Dhaka University Central Mosque. Then the body was taken to Kushtia with family members. After Maghrib, she will be buried at the Kushtia cemetery. At this event, Bangladesh Betar, National Museum, Kabi Nazrul Institute, Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Gana Sangeet Samyani Parishad and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy paid tribute.

Farida Parveen's contribution will not only be immortalized in the cultural arena of Bangladesh, but also in the popularity of Lalongiti and the spread of Baul music.