Honouring Nasheed Kamal on Her Birthday

On 19 March, Bangladesh celebrates the birthday of Nasheed Kamal, an eminent vocalist, writer, and scholar whose multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural and intellectual landscape. Born in 1958 in London, United Kingdom, she embodies a rare blend of artistic brilliance and academic excellence.

Nasheed Kamal’s musical lineage is extraordinary. She is the eldest granddaughter of the legendary folk singer Abbasuddin Ahmed, and from a young age, she immersed herself in the family’s rich musical heritage. Growing up in this nurturing environment, she developed a profound affinity for Nazrul Sangeet, eventually emerging as one of its foremost interpreters. Her melodious voice, precise technique, and emotive renditions have earned her critical acclaim. In recognition of her contributions, she was honoured with the Nazrul Award in 2009 and the Nazrul Padak in 2014.

Her upbringing combined privilege with purpose. Her father, Mostafa Kamal, served as Chief Justice of Bangladesh, while her mother, Husne Ara Kamal, was a distinguished poet, academic, and social activist. Returning to Bangladesh at the age of two, she firmly rooted her identity in her homeland, developing both her artistic and intellectual faculties.

Nasheed Kamal’s early musical talent became publicly evident in 1964 when, as a child performer, she sang at the inauguration of Pakistan Television’s East Pakistan Centre. She later received rigorous training from maestros including Ustad P.C. Gomez, Ustad Akhtar Sadmani, Ustad Kader Zamiri, and Pandit Jasraj, refining her artistry and deepening her understanding of classical and folk traditions.

Her academic accomplishments are equally impressive. After excelling at Holy Cross Girls’ High School and Holy Cross College, she secured first-class honours in Statistics from the University of Dhaka. She then pursued postgraduate studies at Carleton University in Canada and completed a PhD at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Professionally, Nasheed Kamal has made significant contributions in research and social development. She has worked with ICDDR,B, served as an advisor to UNFPA in Bangladesh and Sudan, and published research in The Lancet. Presently, she imparts knowledge as a professor at BRAC Business School, BRAC University, mentoring future leaders.

Beyond music and academia, she is a gifted speaker and debater, winning the best speaker award on Bangladesh Television’s “Torko Jukti Torko” in 1976. Married to Major General and physician Anis Waiz, her family continues to uphold a rich musical heritage, with relatives such as Mustafa Zaman Abbasi and Ferdausi Rahman contributing to Bangladesh’s cultural tapestry.

Nasheed Kamal exemplifies excellence across music, education, and research, inspiring generations through her dedication, intellect, and artistry. On this special day, we wish her enduring health, happiness, and continued success.

Happy Birthday, Nasheed Kamal!

Nasheed Kamal: Life at a Glance