Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter. File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 13, 2026 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today said legendary singer Farida Parveen has not merely upheld the dignity of Lalon's songs; rather, she has infused them with new life.

She made the remarks this evening while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion and cultural programme organised by Achin Pakhi Sangeet Academy at the National Theatre Auditorium of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, marking the birthday of the singer.

The adviser said in the 1970s, at young age, Farida Parveen elevated Lalon's music to a new height through performances of songs such as "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi" and "Barir Kachhe Arshinagar." 

Lalon's songs, she noted, are deeply rooted in classical and raga-based musical traditions, through her own devotion and artistic discipline, Farida Parveen gave these songs a distinctive and unparalleled form, she said.

She said Farida Parveen had lifelong lamented the distortion of Lalon music and consistently emphasised the importance of embracing Lalon's philosophy and worldview. 

Simply wearing particular attire does not make one Lalon, the adviser remarked; one must truly internalise and embody Lalon's spirit, she added.

The adviser further said that as a state, Bangladesh has failed to accord due recognition to artists like Farida Parveen during their lifetimes-calling it a major failure of the state. 

She urged that living artists be honoured and departed artists be remembered, so that no artist in the future suffers neglect.

She also noted that the child artistes of Achin Pakhi Sangeet Academy have demonstrated deep dedication to Farida Parveen's style of singing and philosophical approach. 

If this continuity is maintained, she expressed hope that many singers like Farida Parveen will emerge from this institution.

Gazi Abdul Hakim, Principal of Achin Pakhi Sangeet Academy, chaired the programme. 

Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Rezauddin Ahmed Stalin, Managing Director of Master Builder Limited Major (Retd) Shibbir Ahmad Khan, and Managing Director of Universal Medical College and Hospital Dr Ashish Kumar Chakraborty and former Chairman of the National Board of Revenue and Chairman of the Social Development Foundation (SDF) Dr Mohammad Abdul Majid also attended the programme.