Ali breathed his last at around 10.30am. He had been receiving treatment in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was on life support before his death. His passing was confirmed to the media by his friend and journalist Ershadul Haque.
The musician had been suffering from several health complications for years. He had been living with kidney disease for nearly four years and required regular dialysis as part of his treatment. His health deteriorated significantly in the weeks leading up to his death.
On 24 October, he was admitted to hospital after his sodium levels dropped. During treatment, he suffered a stroke, which left him unable to speak normally. His condition subsequently became more complicated as further medical problems emerged.
Doctors later identified dengue infection and a fungal infection associated with catheter use. He was also suffering from liver inflammation caused by the hepatitis C virus. These conditions, alongside his longstanding kidney disease and the effects of the stroke, made his treatment increasingly challenging.
Despite receiving medical care, his condition remained critical. He was eventually placed on life support in intensive care, where he died on Friday morning.
A Recognisable Voice in Bangladesh’s Band Music Scene
Sheikh Shahed Ali was a familiar name in Bangladesh’s music industry, particularly among listeners who followed the country’s band music movement during the 1990s. As the founder of the band Gachh, he played an active role in the music scene during a period when local bands were developing distinctive styles and attracting a growing audience.
He was also known as ‘Rokzana Shahed’, a name closely associated with his best-known song, ‘Rokzana’. The track helped establish his identity among music enthusiasts and remains one of the most recognisable works of his career.
His other popular songs included ‘Upolobdhi’, ‘Classroom-e Bose Shekha’, ‘Ut-pakhir Dim’, ‘Khola Chul’ and ‘Prem Ashbei’. These recordings reflected the range of his musical work and helped him build a lasting connection with listeners.
Ali released his debut album, ‘Probhu’, in 1991. It marked an important milestone in his musical journey. He went on to release five more albums, maintaining his involvement in music over the following years.
The 1990s were a significant period for Bangladesh’s contemporary music industry. Band-based performances and recordings were gaining popularity, while musicians were experimenting with different approaches to songwriting and composition. Ali established his place in that evolving musical landscape through his work with Gachh and his solo recordings.
His contribution was not limited to a single popular track. Through several albums and songs, he developed a musical identity that remained familiar to audiences over the years.
His death at 63 marks the loss of an experienced musician and band founder. For listeners who grew up with his songs, particularly ‘Rokzana’, his work will remain an enduring part of their musical memories.
