Famed Folk Singer Struggles Amid Severe Hardship

Renowned folk singer Kangalini Sofia is facing severe health and financial crises, casting a shadow over her celebrated musical career. Her health has sharply deteriorated, with complications including high blood pressure, kidney disease, and heart problems, along with several other chronic conditions. Over the past week, she has endured intense chest pain, facial swelling, and difficulty speaking. Medical treatment is urgently required, yet she lacks the funds to afford essential care. With Eid approaching, her household is also without basic groceries.

“Four months’ rent is unpaid, there is no money for food, and I cannot even afford my medicine,” Sofia lamented. Her financial struggles are long-standing, forcing her family into debt. Several years ago, she sold her home in East Jamsing, Savar, to settle debts, and now lives in a rented home in North Jamsing under extremely challenging conditions.

Reduced Government Support

Sofia used to receive an annual grant of BDT 42,000 from government and cultural institutions that support financially vulnerable artists. However, last year this amount was reduced to just BDT 12,000. Her daughter, Pushpa Begum, explained that the reduction has compounded their difficulties.

Additionally, a monthly allowance of BDT 10,000 from the Prime Minister’s office, which helped cover medicine and household expenses, has been suspended since the caretaker government period.

“Earlier, this support allowed us to pay for groceries and medicines in time. Now, we cannot even borrow from anyone,” Pushpa said.

Loss of Performance Income

Beyond grants, Sofia’s income relied heavily on musical performances. Yet, over the past year, the number of cultural events nationwide has sharply declined. Despite invitations from Bangladesh Television and private channels, she has not performed on any TV programme in the last five months. “Previously, BTV engagements provided a small but critical income. Now, we have no earnings from any source,” Pushpa noted.

Medical and Nutritional Uncertainty

Due to kidney complications, high blood pressure, and other illnesses, Sofia requires BDT 8,000–10,000 worth of medicines each month. Doctors have also advised a protein-rich diet, including milk and eggs. However, some days her family cannot even cook a proper meal. Pushpa said, “We are in a worse state than beggars. One day we eat, the next we may go hungry. The stress of debt makes food scarce, and no one seems concerned about her suffering.”

Loss of Property and Security

To repay medical debts exceeding BDT 1.5 million since 2020, Sofia had to sell her last remaining home in Savar. The proceeds partially cleared her debts, and she purchased a small 3% plot in North Jamsing, though she cannot afford to build a house, forcing her to live in rented accommodation.

A Spirit Undimmed

Despite her struggles, Sofia refuses charity and continues to seek performance opportunities. Speaking weakly to Prothom Alo, she said, “I can still sing. I do not ask for help. Invite me to sing, and that is enough.”

Born in a fishing family in Ramdia village, Baliakandi, Rajbari, her real name is Tuni Haldar. She gained local recognition at just 14 and trained under renowned teachers Gaur Mahanta, Deben Khapa, and Halim Boyati. Over her career, she has won 30 national and 10 international awards and produced hit songs such as “Konba Pothe Nitai Ganj Jai”, “Buri Hoilam Tor Karone”, “Narir Kache Keu Jay Na”, and “Amar Bhati Ganger Naiya”.

Kangalini Sofia’s situation highlights the precarious state of ageing folk artists in Bangladesh, whose contributions to national culture persist even as their personal security crumbles.