Popular Bangladeshi singer Baby Nazneen is marking her birthday in a sombre mood this year, with her thoughts centred not on celebrations but on the health of her younger brother, journalist Enam Sarker, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.
Known to generations of music lovers for her distinctive voice and expressive style, Nazneen traditionally does not celebrate her birthday with elaborate arrangements. This year, however, there is an even more personal reason for keeping the occasion quiet. Her brother has been receiving treatment at Bangladesh Medical University Hospital in Dhaka for several months, leaving the family deeply concerned about his condition.
Rather than asking fans and well-wishers to send her birthday greetings, Nazneen has appealed to them to pray for her brother’s recovery. For the singer, his return to good health has become the most important wish surrounding her birthday.
Enam Sarker is a veteran journalist with nearly three decades of experience in the media industry. He has worked in senior editorial positions at several newspapers and news organisations during his career and most recently served as a news editor at a private television channel. He is also currently serving as president of the Cultural Journalists Forum of Bangladesh.
Nazneen herself has experienced a long and eventful career, both professionally and personally. She spent around 15 years outside Bangladesh and has previously spoken about the difficulties she faced in returning to the country during that period. Her political involvement and role as an adviser to former Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia also affected her professional activities and access to the country’s cultural sphere.
Following Bangladesh’s political transition in 2024, Nazneen returned home and became active again in political and cultural activities. She has also expressed an interest in helping restore a more open environment for cultural practitioners and has been considering new musical projects for her audience.
Alongside her political activities, music remains central to Nazneen’s identity. Over a career spanning more than four decades, she has performed on television, radio, in films and at stages both in Bangladesh and abroad. Her contribution to Bangladeshi music has earned her numerous awards and honours, including a National Film Award.
Songs such as Elomelo Batase Uriyechi Sharir Anchal, Kal Sara Raat Chhilo Swapner-o Raat, Duchokhe Ghum Ashe Na, Manush Nispap Prithibite Ashe, Oi Rongdhonu Theke, Patramita, Morar Kokile, Ar Kotodin, Loke Bole Amar Ghore Naki Chand Utheche and Priyotoma remain familiar to many of her listeners.
Despite her long musical legacy and continued public engagement, this birthday has taken on a different meaning. Personal concerns have overshadowed the usual attention surrounding the occasion.
For Nazneen, there is no elaborate celebration this year. Her only wish is that her brother recovers and returns home safely. She has asked her fans and listeners to keep Enam Sarker in their prayers as he continues his treatment.
