Gone but not forgotten: Bangladeshi artistes we lost in 2025

In 2025, the worlds of arts, music, cinema, literature, and entertainment bid farewell to numerous celebrated artistes and cultural luminaries. This tribute honours those whose creative voices shaped Bangladesh's cultural landscape.

Anjana Sultana

(June 27, 1965–January 4, 2025)

Veteran film actress Anjana Sultana, who appeared in more than 300 films and won the National Film Award for Best Actress, and was a prominent face in the Bangladeshi cinemas. She was 59.

Zahidur Rahim Anjan 

(1964–February 24, 2025) 

National Film Award–winning filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan died after battling illness. He was 61. Best known for "Meghmallar", his work was praised for its artistic depth and political consciousness.

Sanjida Khatun

(April 4, 1933–March 25, 2025)

Renowned musicologist and president of Chhayanaut, Sanjida Khatun — a leading figure in music education and cultural preservation — passed away at the age of 91.

Shushama Das

(May 1, 1930–March 26, 2025)

Ekushey Padak–winning folk singer Shushama Das passed away at age 94; she was celebrated for her life's work in traditional Bangladeshi music.

Mustafa Zaman Abbasi

(December 8, 1936–May 10, 2025)

Legendary musicologist, composer, writer and music broadcaster Mustafa Zaman Abbasi died at age 88; his scholarship preserved Bengali musical heritage.

Mujibur Rahman Dulu

(December 13, 1955–May 31, 2025)

Eight‑time National Film Award–winning film editor Mujibur Rahman Dulu passed away, known for shaping the narrative rhythm of Bangladeshi cinema. He was 69.

Tanin Rahman Subha (Tanin Subha) 

(1993–June 10, 2025)

Known as Tanin Subha, the Dhallywood actress, member of the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association, passed away at the age of 32, after several days on life support. 

Zeenat Rehana

(July 2, 2025)

Veteran singer Zeenat Rehana, known for memorable songs like "Shagorer Teer Theke", died, leaving an indelible mark on Bangladeshi music.

AK Ratul

(1991–July 27, 2025)

Vocalist, bassist and sound engineer of the band Owned, AK Ratul died suddenly, prompting tributes from Bangladesh's music community. The rock musician was only 34.

Amaresh Roy Chowdhury

September 18, 1928–August 12, 2025)

Classical music maestro and Ekushey Padak recipient Amaresh Roy Chowdhury passed away at age 97.

Farida Parveen

(December 31, 1954–September 13, 2025)

The legendary folk singer known as the "Queen of Lalon geeti", passed away at the age of 70. She was an Ekushey Padak winner and won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer.

Rakib Hasan

(December 12, 1950–October 15, 2025)

One of the most beloved authors in Bangladesh, the man behind the creation of the spy teen detective series "Tin Goyenda", passed away this year. 

Selim Haider

(November 27, 2025)

Legendary guitarist, bassist and one of the founding members of the band Feedback, has passed away this year.

Janes Sumon

(November 28, 2025)

Galib Ahsan Mehedi, known by his stage name Janes Sumon was the singer behind the 1990s hit song "Ekta Chador Hobe". He passed away this year due to cardiac arrest. Throughout his career, he recorded nearly 300 songs.