Bangladeshi musicians died at 70
Here are 6 famous musicians from Bangladesh died at 70:
Jagadish Gupta
Jagadish Gupta (July 1, 1886 Kushtia District-April 15, 1957 Kolkata) was a Bangladeshi writer.
He was one of the pioneering figures of Bengali literature and played a significant role in the evolution of modern Bengali literature. Gupta was a versatile writer, who wrote in various genres including novels, short stories, plays, and essays. He is best known for his novel "Lakkhichhara", which has become a landmark work in Bangla literature. The novel portrays the daily struggles of a lower-middle-class family in colonial Bengal and is known for its realistic portrayal of social conditions of the time. Gupta was also an editor and a social activist, who was involved in various causes such as the Indian Independence Movement and the movement for the promotion of the Bengali language.
Jagadish Gupta was born on July 1, 1886, in the Kushtia district of Bengal, which is now in Bangladesh. He completed his early education in his hometown and later moved to Kolkata to pursue higher studies. He graduated from Presidency College, Kolkata and started his career as a teacher, but soon he realized his interest in literature.
Gupta began writing at an early age, and his first collection of poems, titled "Sishu Sanchay," was published when he was only sixteen years old. Later, he started writing novels, short stories, and essays, which received critical acclaim from readers and critics alike.
Apart from writing, Gupta was also actively involved in the Indian Independence Movement and the promotion of Bengali language and culture. He served as the editor of several Bengali newspapers and journals, including "Bharatbarsha," "Bangabasi," and "Bangasree."
Gupta's contribution to Bengali literature was immense, and he played a significant role in the development of modern Bengali literature. He was honored with several awards, including the prestigious Rabindra Puraskar and the Sahitya Akademi Award for his contributions to Bengali literature.
Jagadish Gupta passed away on April 15, 1957, in Kolkata, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Bengali writers and readers.
In addition to his literary and social activism accomplishments, Jagadish Gupta was also a noted playwright. He wrote several plays, including "Bidrohi Shandin," "Palabadal," and "Brishti," which were widely performed during his time. Gupta's plays were known for their realistic portrayal of social issues and the lives of ordinary people, and they often dealt with themes of social inequality, poverty, and injustice.
Gupta's dedication to promoting the Bengali language and culture extended beyond his writing and activism. He was a founding member of the Bangiya Sahitya Parishad, an organization dedicated to the advancement of Bengali literature and culture. He also worked closely with other Bengali writers and intellectuals, including Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, to promote the Bengali language and literature.
Overall, Jagadish Gupta's contribution to Bengali literature, culture, and social issues was significant and his legacy continues to inspire budding writers and social activists in the region.
During his lifetime, Jagadish Gupta remained a champion of the common people and consistently used his writing to shine a light on the struggles of the working class. His novel "Lakkhichhara" is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Bengali literature and has been adapted into several different forms, including a film and a stage play. Despite his literary success, Gupta was never one to become complacent and continually pushed himself to tackle more significant social issues through his writing.
In addition to his literary career, Gupta was also a respected educator and served as a professor of Bengali literature at the University of Calcutta. He believed that education was crucial for the development of Bengali society, and he often used his position as a teacher to inspire his students to become more socially aware and politically active.
Today, Jagadish Gupta is remembered as one of the most important figures of modern Bengali literature and a tireless advocate for the rights of the common people. Through his writing, activism, and teaching, he left an indelible mark on the cultural and social landscape of Bengal and inspired generations of Bengali writers and activists to follow in his footsteps.
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Abul Kashem
Abul Kashem (June 28, 1920 Bangladesh-March 11, 1991 Dhaka) was a Bangladeshi writer and politician.
He was born in Narail, Jessore district (now in Bangladesh) and completed his education from Dhaka University. Abul Kashem was an active politician and was involved in the Language Movement before the independence of Bangladesh. He also served as a member of parliament in both the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly. Kashem was a prolific writer and authored numerous novels, short stories, and essays on various social and political issues. His most famous work is the novel "Chhayanat" which is considered a classic of Bengali literature. In recognition of his contributions to Bengali literature, he was awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1966.
Abul Kashem's literary works often highlighted the struggles and aspirations of the common people, and were known for their striking realism and vivid descriptions. In addition to his literary achievements, he was also a prominent figure in Bangladeshi politics. He joined the Awami League in 1954 and played an active role in the party's activities during the tumultuous years leading up to the independence of Bangladesh. Kashem was also an advocate of closer ties between Bangladesh and India and worked towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. He remained politically active even after the independence of Bangladesh and was a vocal critic of the military government that took power in the country in the mid-1970s. Abul Kashem passed away on March 11, 1991, in Dhaka, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the most celebrated writers and politicians of his time.
Apart from his literary and political contributions, Abul Kashem was also actively involved in social work. He was particularly passionate about promoting education and played a key role in establishing numerous schools and libraries in rural areas of Bangladesh. He was also a patron of the arts and supported the growth of music and drama in the country. Kashem was deeply committed to creating a more equitable and prosperous society and used his writing and political platform to raise awareness about issues related to social justice and human rights. His writing and activism continue to inspire generations of writers, activists, and social reformers in Bangladesh and beyond.
Abul Kashem was also a member of various national and international organizations, including the World Peace Council and the Afro-Asian Writers' Association. He often represented Bangladesh in literary and cultural events abroad, and was known for his contributions towards promoting Bangladeshi culture and literature on the world stage.
Despite facing numerous political and social challenges throughout his life, Abul Kashem remained committed to his ideals and beliefs until his very last breath. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of literature and activism in bringing about positive change in society.
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Nitun Kundu
Nitun Kundu (December 3, 1935 Dinajpur-September 15, 2006 Dhaka) was a Bangladeshi personality.
He was a renowned artist, cartoonist, illustrator, and sculptor who made significant contributions to the field of art in Bangladesh. Kundu graduated from Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata, and started his career as a graphic designer at Dainik Sangbad in Calcutta. Later, he moved to Dhaka in 1960 and joined the national newspaper, The Daily Ittefaq, as a cartoonist.
Kundu was known for his artistic style that incorporated traditional Bengali folk art with contemporary techniques, creating a unique aesthetic. He also worked on numerous murals, including the Liberation War Murals at Dhaka University, that depict the struggles and sacrifices of the Bangladeshi people during the Liberation War of 1971.
Besides his artistic contributions, Nitun Kundu was actively involved in social and cultural organizations, including founding the Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad (Bangladesh Artisans and Sculptors Association). He received numerous awards for his contributions to art and was also honored with the Ekushey Padak, the second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh.
Kundu's contributions to the world of art in Bangladesh extended beyond just his sculptures and murals. He was also a prolific illustrator, having illustrated numerous books, including textbooks for children. Furthermore, he was the creator of many iconic characters in Bangladeshi popular culture, such as Fatafati, who was featured in the children's magazine Kishore Batam (Children's Companion) that Kundu co-founded. Kundu also contributed to the development of the art scene in Bangladesh and was a mentor to many young artists. His legacy continues to inspire young artists in Bangladesh and his works remain an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
Nitun Kundu was not only an accomplished artist but also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the College of Arts and Crafts in Dhaka and was instrumental in establishing the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka, where he taught for over three decades until his retirement in 1995. Kundu's dedication to teaching inspired numerous students, many of whom went on to become renowned artists in their own right. In addition to his contributions to the art scene, Kundu was also a committed social activist. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of artists and was instrumental in lobbying for the establishment of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, a national institute for the promotion and development of the arts in Bangladesh. Kundu was also involved in various other social and cultural organizations, and his contributions to the development of the art scene and cultural heritage in Bangladesh will always be remembered.
Throughout his illustrious career, Nitun Kundu left an indelible mark on the art scene in Bangladesh. His unique artistic style, which blended traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics, continues to influence the work of many artists in the country. Kundu's commitment to social activism and his contributions to the arts earned him numerous accolades, including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award, the Bangladesh Charu Shilpi Sangsad Award, and the Ekushey Padak, among others. His works have been exhibited in galleries across the world, cementing his position as one of the most important figures in Bangladeshi art history. Today, Kundu's legacy lives on through the countless artists he inspired and the works he created, which continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the globe.
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Brojen Das
Brojen Das (December 9, 1927 Bangladesh-June 1, 1998 Kolkata) was a Bangladeshi personality.
He was a long-distance swimmer who gained international acclaim for becoming the first person to swim across the English Channel from one end to another in 1952. Das also swam across several other bodies of water, such as the Catalina Channel in California and the Strait of Gibraltar.
In addition to swimming feats, Das was also a prominent figure in the sport of kabbadi in Bangladesh, and was heavily involved in social and political issues. He was a member of the Bangladesh Parliament, and helped provide aid and support to victims of the devastating Bangladesh floods in 1991.
Das was honored with numerous awards during his lifetime, including the prestigious Padma Shri award from the Government of India in 1953. He passed away at the age of 70 in Kolkata, India.
Brojen Das was born in Bangladesh and grew up in a family of swimmers. His father was a coach, and his brother and sister were both competitive swimmers. Das began swimming at a young age and quickly gained recognition for his endurance and strength. His historic swim across the English Channel brought him international fame and cemented his status as a legendary athlete.
Following his swimming career, Das became involved in politics and was known for his advocacy work on behalf of the poor and marginalized. He was also a vocal critic of government corruption and worked to promote transparency and accountability in public office. Despite facing political opposition and personal challenges, Das remained dedicated to his work and continued to fight for social justice and equality throughout his life.
Throughout his career, Das received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to sports and public service. In addition to the Padma Shri, he was also awarded the Independence Day Award by the Bangladesh government in 1979, and was posthumously recognized as a National Poet in 2002. Even after his passing, Das remains an inspiration to many for his remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.
Das' swimming career began at the age of 7, when he started swimming in the rivers near his home in Bangladesh. He quickly became passionate about the sport and began competing in local swim meets. Das' family moved to Calcutta, India, when he was 16, and he continued to train and compete in the city's swimming clubs.
In 1947, Das entered his first long-distance swimming race, a 25-mile competition in Calcutta's river Hooghly. He finished in third place, but the experience sparked his interest in long-distance swimming. Over the next few years, Das trained extensively and completed several swimming challenges, including a 26-mile swim in Calcutta's diamond harbor.
In 1952, Das set his sights on becoming the first person from Asia to complete a swim across the English Channel. He spent months training in England, braving the cold waters and treacherous waves. On August 9, 1952, Das began his historic swim, completing the 35-mile journey in 14 hours and 45 minutes. His achievement made headlines around the world and inspired a generation of young swimmers.
Following his famous swim, Das continued to push his limits and completed several other challenging swims. In 1958, he swam 42 miles across the Catalina Channel in California, and in 1960, he crossed the 15-mile Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco. Das retired from swimming in 1962.
In addition to his sports achievements, Das was also deeply committed to social and political causes. He was a member of the Awami League, a political party in Bangladesh, and was elected to the Bangladesh Parliament in 1973. Das worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of the poor and underprivileged, and was instrumental in the establishment of several schools and hospitals in his home country.
Despite facing several health issues in his later years, Das remained an active public figure until his passing. He passed away on June 1, 1998, in Kolkata, India, at the age of 70. His legacy continues to inspire generations of young athletes and social activists alike.
To honor Brojen Das' swimming achievements, the Brojen Das Memorial Swimming Competition has been held annually in Bangladesh since 1999. The event attracts swimmers from all over Bangladesh and beyond, and serves as a tribute to Das' spirit of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to excellence. Additionally, a park in the city of Dhaka has been named after him, and a postage stamp featuring his image was issued by the government of Bangladesh in 2002.
In addition to his sports and political achievements, Das was also a respected writer and poet. He published several books on swimming, including his memoirs, titled "My Swimming Life," and also wrote extensively on social and political issues. His works continue to be celebrated for their powerful messages and thought-provoking insights.
Brojen Das' legacy serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. His life story inspires individuals all over the world to overcome obstacles and work towards achieving their dreams, all while making a positive impact on their communities and the world at large.
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Iskander Mirza
Iskander Mirza (November 15, 1899 Murshidabad-November 15, 1969 London) was a Bangladeshi politician. He had three children, Shah Taj Imam Mirza, Enver Mirza and Humayum Mirza.
Iskander Mirza was the first President of Pakistan, serving from 1956 until his overthrow in 1958. Prior to this, he served as the Governor-General of Pakistan from 1955 to 1956. Mirza belonged to a politically prominent family, and his father was a member of the Bengal Legislative Council. He received his education in England and pursued a career in the Indian Civil Service before entering politics.
As President, Mirza declared martial law in 1958 and appointed General Ayub Khan as the new Prime Minister. However, he soon fell out with Ayub Khan and attempted to dismiss him. This led to a military coup, in which Ayub Khan seized power and Mirza was forced to resign. He subsequently went into exile in London, where he remained until his death in 1969.
Iskander Mirza played a significant role in the politics of Pakistan, particularly during the country's formative years. He was a member of the All India Muslim League and became one of the founding fathers of Pakistan. After the country gained independence in 1947, he was appointed as the Minister of the Interior in the government of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan. During his tenure, he worked to improve law and order in the country and played an important role in the integration of the princely states into Pakistan.
Mirza was a proponent of the concept of "one-unit", which involved the merger of the four provinces of West Pakistan into a single administrative unit. This policy was controversial and eventually led to his downfall, as it alienated political leaders in East Pakistan, who felt they were being marginalized.
Despite his contribution to the early years of Pakistan's history, Iskander Mirza is often remembered for his role in the country's first military coup. The coup led to decades of military rule in Pakistan and had a profound impact on the country's political development.
In addition to his political career, Iskander Mirza was also a prolific writer and authored several books on world history and politics. He was fluent in several languages, including English, Urdu, Bengali and Persian. After his exile in London, Mirza remained politically active and continued to advocate for democracy in Pakistan. He founded the Pakistan Democratic Party, which aimed to bring together opposition forces against Ayub Khan's military rule. Mirza's influence on Pakistani politics is still debated today, with some considering him a visionary leader who was ahead of his time, while others view him as a power-hungry politician who contributed to the downfall of democracy in the country.
Iskander Mirza's family was well-known in British India and had a history of serving in the government. His grandfather, Abdul Latif Mirza, was the mayor of Calcutta and a member of the Bengal Legislative Council. Mirza's father, Fateh Ali Mirza, was a member of the Bengal Legislative Council as well. Iskander Mirza's early education was at the University of Calcutta, and he later went to England to study at the University of Cambridge. After completing his education, he joined the Indian Civil Service and served as a district magistrate in different parts of British India.
During World War II, Iskander Mirza served in the British Army and was appointed as a staff officer in the Indian Army. He resigned from the army after the war ended and returned to the Indian Civil Service. However, he soon became disillusioned with the British government's policies and became involved in the Indian independence movement. He joined the All India Muslim League, a political party that was advocating for the creation of a separate Muslim state in British India.
After Pakistan was founded in 1947, Iskander Mirza was appointed as the Minister of the Interior in the government of Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan. He played a key role in the integration of the princely states into Pakistan and worked to improve the country's law and order situation. Mirza's vision of creating a strong, centralized state with a powerful executive was controversial, and many politicians felt that it would lead to a concentration of power in the hands of the government. This conflict eventually led to Mirza's downfall and the end of democracy in Pakistan.
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Khawaja Nazimuddin
Khawaja Nazimuddin (July 19, 1894 Dhaka-October 22, 1964 Dhaka) was a Bangladeshi politician.
He was the third Prime Minister of Pakistan and the second Prime Minister of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Nazimuddin came from a prominent Muslim family who had played active roles in the Bengal Renaissance and early politics.
He was educated in England and returned to India to participate in politics. Nazimuddin was a member of the Muslim League and was instrumental in the campaign for separate Muslim-majority states in India, which led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
He became Bengali Prime Minister in 1943, and after the assassination of his predecessor, Liaquat Ali Khan, he became Pakistan's Prime Minister in 1951.
Nazimuddin faced challenges during his time in office, including conflicts with the Bengali language movement and challenges to Pakistan's government from both India and Afghanistan. He resigned in 1953 after he was removed from the governorship of East Pakistan by the central government.
After his retirement, he remained active in politics and was a prominent figure in Bengali society until his death in 1964.
In addition to his political career, Khawaja Nazimuddin was also a notable businessman and philanthropist in Bengal. He founded the Dhaka Electric Supply Company and served as its chairman. He was also a leading supporter of education and established several schools and colleges in Bangladesh. Nazimuddin was a strong advocate of religious harmony and worked towards promoting communal peace in Bengal during the partition of India. He was a member of the All India Muslim League's Working Committee and also served as the President of the Bengal Provincial Muslim League. Nazimuddin was awarded the Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1941 and the Order of the Star of Pakistan in 1958 for his services to the nation.
During his time in office as the Prime Minister of Pakistan and later, as the Prime Minister of East Pakistan, Khawaja Nazimuddin emphasized the need to promote economic growth and social welfare. He introduced several policies aimed at developing the agricultural sector and improving the country's infrastructure. Nazimuddin was also a champion of democracy and believed in the importance of free and fair elections. He oversaw the establishment of a democratic system of government in Pakistan and was committed to upholding the principles of the country's constitution.
In addition to his political and business endeavors, Nazimuddin was a patron of the arts and literature. He was an avid collector of books and manuscripts and was known for his support of Bengali literature. He was a close friend of the poet Rabindranath Tagore and was deeply influenced by his work. Nazimuddin's love of literature inspired him to establish several libraries and cultural centers in Bangladesh, which continue to this day as important hubs of learning and creativity.
Khawaja Nazimuddin's contributions to Bengali society and politics continue to be remembered and celebrated. He is hailed as one of the founding fathers of Bangladesh and is revered for his dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, social justice, and religious harmony.
During his tenure as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Nazimuddin also worked towards creating strong relations with other countries. He took a proactive stance in promoting Pakistan's interests in the international arena and played an important role in the country's membership in the United Nations. Nazimuddin was a vocal critic of India's foreign policies and advocated for Pakistan to strengthen its ties with other countries in the region.Khawaja Nazimuddin's leadership and contributions were recognized both domestically and internationally. He was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Dhaka in 1951 and was also awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1941. Nazimuddin was known for his tireless work ethic and his integrity. He was a respected leader who was deeply committed to the welfare of his people and the prosperity of his country. His legacy continues to inspire politicians and leaders in Bangladesh and beyond to this day.
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