Folk artiste and composer Professor Abdur Rashid Miah passes away

Eminent folk artiste and exponent, Professor Abdur Rashid Miah, composer of the popular dance-drama “Mahua,” died of old age complications on April 21. The 74-year-old Professor Rashid passed away at his residence at Golkibari area in the district town.

Professor Rashid is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. A host of relatives and admirers gathered at his residence to mourn his death. He was laid to rest at his family graveyard in Biara village, Nandail upazila.

Among those who paid homage to the late folk artiste were Mayor of Mymensingh Municipality, Advocate Mahmud Al Noor Tareq; presidium member of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, Shahadat Hossain Khan; convener of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote’s local unit, Professor Amir Ahmed Chowdhury; president of Mymensingh Lok Kristi Sangstha, Abul Kashem; secretary of Nazrul Academy, Professor Shafiqul Islam and secretary of Jhilik Natya Sangstha, Saiful Islam.

A regular artiste of Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, Professor Rashid was a talented music composer, lyricist and performer. “Mahua,” the dance-drama, won him recognition both at home and abroad. Some of his other notable works “Chandrabati,” “Kajal Rekha” and “Rupoboti” were aired on Bangladesh Television.

Founder of Mymensingh Lok Kristi Sangstha, Professor Rashid authored two books — “Sur Bihanga” and “Sangeet Bichitra” — on folklore and indigenous cultural traditions of the country. The former assistant director of Birishiri Cultural Academy in Netrokona was also adept on the ‘dotara.’