President of Chhayanaut Sanjida Khatun. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, March 25, 2025 (BSS) - Eminent Cultural personality and President of Chhayanaut Sanjida Khatun passed away while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital this afternoon. 

She was 91.

Sanjida was born on April 4, 1933. She was the daughter of founder of Statistic Department of Dhaka University and National Professor Kazi Motahar Hossain. Her husband was Rabindra researcher Wahidul Haque.

Sanjida Khatun was one of the founders of the Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangsha during the Liberation War in 1971 and Chhayanaut in the early 1960s. She also served as the president of Chhayanaut.

She was also honoured with the Padma Shri, considered as the fourth highest civilian award in India.

Her books include 'Sangskritik Mukti Sangram', 'Amar Rabindranath', 'Bangali Jibon', 'Rabindrakobita', 'Rabindrasangit' and 'Rabindranather Bhabsampad'.

The Ekushey Padak-winning Rabindra Sangeet exponent was a lighthouse in the cultural arena.