Mustafa Zaman Abbasi, a revered Bangladeshi musicologist, author, and television figure, has passed away at the age of 87. He died at 7 am on Saturday morning at a hospital in Banani. His daughter, Sharmin Abbasi, confirmed the news. Abbasi had long been suffering from age-related ailments and was most recently hospitalized due to breathing complications. He breathed his last around 5.30 am.
Born on December 8, 1937, in Cooch Bihar, West Bengal, Abbasi came from a celebrated musical lineage. His father, Abbas Uddin Ahmed, was a trailblazing folk singer who brought Bengali folk music to international prominence. His uncle, Abdul Karim, was also a noted performer of Bhawaiya, Bhatiali, and other folk genres. His family included other distinguished figures: his brother, Justice Mustafa Kamal, was a prominent legal mind, while his niece Nashid Kamal and sister Ferdousi Rahman both earned acclaim as accomplished musicians.
Abbasi spent his early years in Kolkata, where his family maintained a close connection with National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. He began his academic journey there and later earned both his B.A. (Honors) and M.A. degrees from the University of Dhaka in 1959 and 1960, respectively. He also pursued marketing studies under the Harvard Group.
Throughout his career, he established himself as a leading figure in both music and literature. He directed many music-centered programs on radio and television and was a well-known columnist across several publications. Professionally, he served as the General Manager of an industrial group and was later appointed Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. His contributions to cultural diplomacy included performing Bhatiali, Bhawaiya, Chatka, Bichhedi, and Nazrul Sangeet in 25 countries and representing Bangladesh at the International Folk Music Conference in Seoul, South Korea.
For eleven years, Abbasi served as President of the Bangladesh National Committee of Music under UNESCO, participating in several international music forums. As director and collector of the Folk Music Research Group for over five decades, he preserved thousands of rare and traditional Bengali songs, including works by Lalon and various regional folk genres. His editorial contributions include significant anthologies such as Duar-e Aisachhe Palki and Songs of Independence Day, and he also served as the editor of the “Journal of Folk Music”.
Among his most acclaimed publications are “History of Folk Music”, “The Birthplace of Bhawaiya” (Volumes I & II), and “Bhater Desher Bhatiali”. The first volume of “Bhater Desher Bhatiali” featured six hundred songs with notations and analysis and received praise both nationally and internationally.
Author of 21 popular books, Abbasi’s lifelong dedication earned him numerous accolades, including the Shilpakala Academy Award, Lalon Award, Nazrul Academy Award, Abbasuddin Gold Medal, Apex Foundation Award, Ekushey Padak, National Press Club Literary Award, and more.
Even in his later years, he remained actively involved in global cultural dialogues, such as the Asia Media Summit, international Rumi and Sufi conferences, and folk heritage seminars, while continuing to contribute to radio and television programming.