Renowned Bangladeshi musicologist, singer, writer, and cultural icon Mustafa Zaman Abbasi passed away on May 10, 2025, at the age of 87. He breathed his last at approximately 5:30 AM at a hospital in Dhaka’s Banani area, following complications related to aging and respiratory issues. His daughter, Sharmin Abbasi, confirmed the news of his passing.

Early Life and Musical Heritage

Born on December 8, 1937, in Balarampur, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India, Mustafa Zaman Abbasi hailed from a distinguished musical family. He was the youngest son of Abbasuddin Ahmed, a legendary folk singer who played a pivotal role in popularizing Bengali folk music globally. His sister, Ferdausi Rahman, is a celebrated singer, and his brother, Justice Mustafa Kamal, served as the Chief Justice of Bangladesh.

Abbasi’s early exposure to music came from his family’s rich musical environment. He received formal training from eminent classical musicians, including Ustad Abdul Ghafoor Khan and Ustad Munshi Raisuddin Khan. His academic journey led him to the University of Dhaka, where he earned both his B.A. (Honours) and M.A. degrees in history in 1959 and 1960, respectively.

Career and Contributions

Mustafa Zaman Abbasi’s multifaceted career spanned over six decades, during which he made significant contributions to music, literature, and cultural preservation.

• Musicology and Research: Abbasi was instrumental in preserving and promoting Bengali folk music. He collected and documented thousands of traditional songs, including works by Lalon Shah and various regional folk genres. His efforts ensured that these cultural treasures were archived for future generations.
• Publications: A prolific writer, Abbasi authored over 60 books covering diverse topics such as music, poetry, and Islamic studies. Notable works include “Abbasuddin Ahmed, Manush o Shilpi,” “Kazi Nazrul Islam, Man and Poet,” and “Bhater Desher Bhatiali,” which featured 600 songs with notations and analysis.
• Television and Radio: Abbasi was a familiar face on Bangladeshi television, hosting programs like “Amar Thikana,” “Loukik Bangla,” and “Bhora Nadeer Banke,” which focused on folk music and cultural discussions.
• Institutional Roles: He served as the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and was a senior research scholar at the “Kazi Nazrul Islam and Abbasuddin Ahmed Research and Study Centre” at Independent University, Bangladesh. Additionally, he was the President of the Bangladesh National Committee of Music under UNESCO for eleven years.

Awards and Recognition

In recognition of his invaluable contributions, Mustafa Zaman Abbasi received numerous accolades:

• Ekushey Padak (1995), one of Bangladesh’s highest civilian awards
• Nazrul Mela Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Apex Foundation Award.
• Natyasobha Award.
• Bengal Centenary Award.
• Abbasuddin Gold Medal.
• Manik Mia Award.
• Sylhet Music Award.
• Lalon Parishad Award.

Personal Life and Legacy

Mustafa Zaman Abbasi was married to Asma Abbasi, an educationist and writer. The couple had two daughters: Samira Abbasi, a singer and researcher in the United States, and Sharmini Abbasi, a lawyer and writer.

Abbasi’s passing marks the end of an era in Bangladeshi cultural history. His lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Bengali folk music and literature has left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural landscape. He will be remembered as a guardian of heritage and a beacon for future generations.