Eminent lyricist, composer and singer Abu Zafar, who is mostly known for penning and composing patriotic song ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’, passed away today at the age of 82.
The composer had been suffering from old-age complications and was undergoing treatment at a city hospital, family sources said.
Abu Zafar is survived by a daughter, three sons, relatives and a host of well-wishers and admirers. Renowned folk singer Farida Parveen is his ex-wife.
The body of Abu Zafar has been taken to his hometown Kushtia. His namaz-e-janaza was held at Kushtia Government College ground after Asr prayers on Friday.
He will be laid to eternal rest after arrival of his son from abroad, family sources said.
Abu Zafar is a lyricist and composer of many songs including ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’, ‘Tomra Bhulei Gecho Mollikadir Naam’, and ‘Nindar Kata Jodi Na Bindhilo Gaye’.
A teacher by profession Abu Zafar served in the Bangla department of Chuadanga College and Kushtia Government College in his home district.
Abu Zafar was a regular artiste of Rajshahi and Dhaka radio and television.
Many of his patriotic and modern songs became quite popular, out of them several were timeless songs.
Abu Zafar has also authored a number of books. Some of the books are- ‘Ratri Purono Din (poetry)’, ‘Bazare Durnam Tobu Tumi E Shorbossho (poetry)’ and ‘Biplobottor Soviet Kobita (translated poetry)’ are notable of them.
Abu Zafar’s popular song ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’ was ranked among the top 20 songs of all time in a BBC poll.
His notable creations include- ‘Tomra Bhulei Gechho Mollikadir Naam’, ‘Nindar Kata Jodi Na Bindhilo Gaye’, ‘Ami Helen Kingba Momtajke Dekhini’, ‘Tumi Rat Ami Ratjaga Pakhi’ and so on.
He also composed all the songs he wrote and sang most of the songs he had written. His ex-wife and reputed Lalon Geeti singer Farida Parveen performed several duets with him.