Mubarak Hossain Khan: A Beacon of Bengali Music

Mubarak Hossain Khan remains a shining star in the world of Bengali music. He was a music researcher, writer, radio personality, and a cultured individual. His contributions not only enriched Bengali music but also provided a lasting foundation and a valuable archive.

Born on 27 February 1938 in Shibpur, Nabiganj, Brahmanbaria, he came from a traditional music family of the subcontinent. His father was the legendary Ustad Ayet Ali Khan, and his mother was Umrunnessa Khanam. His uncle, the great music maestro Ustad Alauddin Khan, brought the family into close proximity with the subcontinental classical music tradition.

Growing up among eleven siblings, music was an integral part of his early life. The family also included many notable musicians—Ambia Khanam, Ustad Abed Hossain Khan, Ustad Bahadur Hossain Khan, Mamata Khanam, Sheikh Sadi Khan, Tansen Khan, Yasmin Khanam, Bitophen Khan, Kohinoor Khanam, and Rizia Begum. The last two passed away young and are less often mentioned.

He married into the renowned Yasmin family. His wife was the celebrated artist Fowzia Yasmin, making him the caring brother-in-law to the late Nilufar Yasmin and Sabina Yasmin.

After completing a degree in History at Dhaka University, he joined Bangladesh Betar as a programme producer in 1962. Over a devoted thirty-year career, he rose to become Director of Bangladesh Betar. Later, from 1992 to 1996, he served as Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.

Writing was his quiet pursuit. He published 137 books, a rare achievement in Bengali music research.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to music, he received:

Ekushey Padak (1986)

Independence Day Award (1994)

Bangla Academy Award (2002)

In his personal life, he raised three children to notable success:

Renowned sitarist Professor Reenat Fowzia Khan

BUET architect Tarif Hayat Khan

Qualified accountant and acclaimed sarod player Tanim Hayat Khan Rajit

On 24 November 2019, the curtain fell on the life of this eminent music researcher. Yet, his work, writings, and cultural legacy continue to illuminate the world of Bengali music.

Respectful remembrance and heartfelt tribute.

Khaborwala/TSN