Farida Parveen, Fukuoka Prize 2008 Arts and Culture Prize Laureate, has passed away on the 13th of September 2025.

Farida Parveen was born in Natore in the western part of present Bangladesh, and she learned the Sargam (Indian musical scale) in her early childhood. When she became 13, she started to sing for Rajshahi radio station. Farida was captivated by the ‘Baul songs’, the traditional religious songs of the Bengal area. Farida's encounter with Fakir Lalon Shah’s songs there led her to collect and classify a great many songs of his and enhanced their artistic values.  When she was at Rajshahi University reading Bangla literature, she established the foundation of her career by becoming a nationally popular singer with patriotic songs and songs of the Liberation War as well as Lalon's songs. She sang for TV programs and films. In 1987, she received the Ekushey Padak (one of the highest civilian awards in Bangladesh), and in 1993, was given the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer. She has performed in many different countries, including France, the U.S., and Japan (2002), to introduce Baul songs to the world, as well as to have Baul songs listed as one of UNESCO's Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

At the Award Ceremony in 2008, Farida told ‘Absolute freedom and happiness of human being lie in leading a simple and easy lifestyle. In this world of increasing wards and clashes I am trying to foster and spread the message of brotherhood and humanity among the people through the songs of Lalon.’ She also mentioned that she found a wonderful resemblance in philosophy of life of Japan and Bangladesh that is ‘simplicity’ despite the huge geographical distance. 

Moreover, at her performance ‘Evening with ‘Baul Songs’ (UNESCO Intangible Heritage), Farida Parveen’s powerful voice and the soft sounds of her harmonium held the audience spellbound, accompanied by four musicians playing traditional instruments. At her School Visit at the Fukuoka City Itazuke Junior High School, she explained about the performance of Baul Songs and traditional musical instruments. She thanked them for their enthusiasm which inspired her singing. 

In memory of her many achievements, we would like to send our sincere condolences to her family.

Secretariat of Fukuoka Prize Committee