Kabir Suman wants Islamic burial for himself

Dhaka, 6 Mar – Prominent Indian singer-songwriter, politician, and cultural personality Kabir Suman has withdrawn his decision to donate his body after death, a commitment he made nearly four years ago.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the renowned musician wrote, “Ramadan Mubarak. I want to inform everyone that some time ago, I announced on Facebook that I had donated my body and did not wish for any religious funeral rites. After much thought, I have changed my decision. I am withdrawing my wish to donate my body.”

He added, “I want to be buried in Kolkata, preferably in Gobra, following Islamic traditions. This is my final decision, and I have informed some of my close relatives.”

Suman also made it clear that he does not want any criticism or opinions regarding his decision. “I do not want any comments or opinions on this announcement,” he wrote.

The singer, born in a Hindu Brahmin family in India’s Odisha on March 16, 1949, as Suman Chattopadhyay, gained immense popularity in the 1990s for introducing a unique musical style blending poetry with melody. 

In 2000, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Kabir Suman, clarifying that he took the name Kabir after Sheikh Kabir, a Bengali Muslim poet who wrote ‘Baishnab Padabali.’

His groundbreaking album ‘Tomake Chai,’ released in April 1992, revolutionised Bengali music. Since then, the singer has remained a celebrated figure in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, India.

Beyond music, he was also involved in politics, supporting Mamata Banerjee during the Nandigram and Singur movements. He later became a Member of Parliament from Jadavpur under the Trinamool Congress but eventually parted ways with the party due to ideological differences.

Kabir Suman has maintained a deep connection with Bangladesh, which began with his first visit to Dhaka in 1996 to perform at a fundraising concert for the Liberation War Museum. Since 2000, he has been married to the iconic Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin.

More recently, Dhaka hosted a special event titled “Tomake Chai-er 30 Bochor Udjapon” to celebrate 30 years of his iconic album ‘Tomake Chai’.