“In respectful tribute to the memory of poet and lyricist Zahidul Haque.”

“My two eyes are not made of stone, yet why do they waste away?”

These poignant lines, immortalised in Bengali music, continue to resonate deeply in the hearts of listeners. Sung by the tender voice of Subir Nandi in the mid-1980s, the song captured the soul of a nation and established itself as a timeless classic. Its creator, poet and lyricist Zahidul Haque, remains a unique figure in modern Bengali song, celebrated for his sensitivity, humanity, and the depth of emotion in his writings.

Zahidul Haque’s literary journey began in the late 1960s, spanning poetry, songwriting, essays, and journalism. He left an indelible mark across all mediums he touched, blending introspection with societal awareness.

Born on 11 August 1949 in Badarpur, Assam, Zahidul Haque hailed from an educated yet declining aristocratic family. His father, Dr. Nurul Haque Bhuna, was serving at the Badarpur Railway Hospital at the time. The frequent transfers of his father’s job meant that Zahidul’s childhood and adolescence were spent across multiple regions of Bangladesh, exposing him to diverse cultural and social environments. He received his early education in various schools before pursuing higher studies at Feni College and later Dhaka University. His ancestral roots lay in Akdia village, Chauddagram, Comilla, a home that reflected Bengal’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Professionally, Zahidul Haque was a respected figure in both print and electronic media. He served as a Senior Editor and Broadcaster at Radio Deutsche Welle, Cologne, contributed as Senior Assistant Editor at the venerable daily Sangbad, and held the position of Deputy Director (Programming) at Bangladesh Betar. Across these roles, his creativity, editorial vision, and administrative acumen were widely admired.

In recognition of his literary and musical contributions, Zahidul Haque received the Bangla Academy Literary Award, special honours from Dhaka University’s Music Department, and numerous other national and international accolades. He was also a distinguished fellow of Bangla Academy. His travels across Europe and Asia further enriched his worldview, infusing his poetry and lyrics with a cosmopolitan depth.

Zahidul Haque passed away on 15 January 2024 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, leaving behind a profound legacy. Though he is no longer with us, his poems, songs, and writings continue to live on—growing deeper in resonance rather than fading with time.

Zahidul Haque may have departed physically, but the emotional depth of his creations ensures that he remains immortal in the collective heart of Bengali culture.