Ekushey Laureate Dalia Naushin Dies

Eminent Nazrul Sangeet exponent and former voice of the wartime broadcaster Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, Dalia Naushin, has passed away at the age of 71. She breathed her last at 12:57 pm on Wednesday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka, according to family members.

The news of her death was confirmed to our  representative by her cousin, noted Nazrul Sangeet artist Sadia Afrin Mallik. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief across Bangladesh’s cultural sphere, where she was widely revered for her contributions to music and her role during the country’s Liberation War.

Family sources said Naushin had been battling cancer for a prolonged period. In recent months, her health had deteriorated significantly, necessitating repeated hospital admissions. As her condition worsened further, she was admitted to a private hospital on 27 March, where she remained under close medical supervision until her death.

Naushin’s funeral rites are scheduled to take place following Maghrib prayers at Gulshan Society Mosque in Dhaka. She will subsequently be laid to rest at Banani Graveyard. She is survived by two sons, one residing in the United States and the other in Spain.

A distinguished cultural figure, Dalia Naushin was celebrated not only for her mastery of Nazrul Sangeet but also for her role as a “cultural freedom fighter.” During the 1971 Liberation War, she lent her voice to Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, inspiring both freedom fighters and civilians through patriotic broadcasts and songs. Her performances became synonymous with resilience and national identity during one of Bangladesh’s most turbulent periods.

Born into a family of notable intellectual heritage, she was the daughter of renowned architect Mazharul Islam, a pioneer of modern architecture in Bangladesh. This environment of creativity and cultural engagement greatly influenced her artistic journey from an early age.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to music, the Government of Bangladesh honoured her with the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2020—one of the nation’s highest civilian awards. Over the decades, she cultivated a distinctive vocal style marked by emotional depth and technical finesse, earning admiration from audiences and critics alike.

Below is a summary of key details from her life and career:

Dalia Naushin’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s musical and cultural history. Her legacy, particularly her contributions during the Liberation War and her lifelong dedication to Nazrul Sangeet, will continue to resonate for generations to come.