Honouring the cultural icons we lost in 2025

The year 2025 was a period of profound loss for Bangladesh’s entertainment and cultural landscape, with the passing of several cherished actors, musicians, writers, and artists. Though their absence leaves an irreplaceable void, their creative legacies will continue to inspire generations. Here are some of the notable figures Bangladesh lost in 2025:

Prabir Mitra:
Legendary actor and National Film Award winner Prabir Mitra passed away on 5 January. He made his film debut with Jolchhobi and went on to act in more than 400 films. He earned widespread acclaim for his performance in Nawab Sirajuddaula (1989).

Anjana Sultana:
Renowned actress and National Film Award winner Anjana Sultana died on 4 January at the age of 59. She began her acting career in 1976 with Setu, achieving a breakthrough the same year with Matir Maya. Over her career, she appeared in more than 300 films.

Zahidur Rahim Anjan:
Acclaimed filmmaker Zahidur Rahim Anjan, best known for Meghmallar, passed away on 24 February. He received the National Film Award for Best Director and Best Dialogue Writer for Meghmallar in 2014. His most recent film, Chander Amabasya, is yet to be released.

Sanjida Khatun:
Eminent cultural figure and president of Chhayanaut, Sanjida Khatun, died on 25 March. A key founder of Chhayanaut in the early 1960s and the Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha during the Liberation War of 1971, she was honoured with India’s Padma Shri award.

Gulshan Ara Ahmed:
Television and film actress Gulshan Ara Ahmed passed away on 15 April while receiving treatment at a hospital in Dhaka. She was 59.

Mustafa Zaman Abbasi:
Distinguished musicologist, author, and Ekushey Padak recipient Mustafa Zaman Abbasi died on 10 May. Born on 8 December 1936, he was the son of legendary folk singer Abbas Uddin Ahmed and received the Ekushey Padak in 1995.

Hamiduzzaman Khan:
Renowned sculptor and painter Hamiduzzaman Khan passed away on 20 July while undergoing treatment in Dhaka. His notable works include Ekattorer Shmorone, Songshoptok, Hamla, Pakhi Poribar, and Shantir Payra. He gained international recognition in 1988 when his sculpture Steps was installed at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seoul. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2006.

Farida Parveen:
Celebrated Lalon singer Farida Parveen died on 13 September at the age of 71. She began her musical journey with Nazrul and patriotic songs before dedicating herself to Lalon’s philosophy and music. She received the Ekushey Padak in 1987 and the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize in 2008.

Rakib Hasan:
Prolific writer and creator of the popular thriller series Tin Goyenda, Rakib Hasan passed away on 15 October. Born on 12 December 1950 in Cumilla, he began his career translating classic international novels for Sheba Prokashoni and went on to author more than 400 books.

In addition, 2025 also saw the loss of several other cultural figures, including classical music maestro Amaresh Roy Chowdhury, folk singer Shushama Das, film editor Mujibur Rahman Dulu, actress Tanin Rahman Subha, singers Zeenat Rehana, Janes Sumon and AK Ratul, and photographer Chanchal Mahmud.