“Legendary Songstress Sabina Yasmin Criticizes Bangladesh’s Treatment of Artists”

Legendary songstress Sabina Yasmin has expressed strong disapproval of the treatment of artists in Bangladesh, stating that they have never been appreciated and still aren’t. She emphasized that if those in authority do not understand or value music, artists are powerless to change the situation. Speaking to Channel i during a recording session in Dhaka, Yasmin contrasted the recognition of artists in India, highlighting how Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays homage to Lata Mangeshkar while artists in Bangladesh are neglected. She lamented the lack of recognition for iconic singers like Andrew Kishore and Subir Nandi, stressing the importance of preserving their work in the national archive. Yasmin also mourned the recent loss of Farida Parveen, questioning if another artist of her caliber would emerge in the future. Despite her grievances, Yasmin expressed gratitude to the film industry for its support of her career. Regarding royalties, she pointed out the absence of a proper system in Bangladesh compared to other countries, emphasizing the financial security it could provide for artists and their families. Highlighting her recent birthday celebration, where a documentary on her life was released, Yasmin, who started her singing career in the 1960s, remains a revered figure in South Asia. Nonetheless, her remarks shed light on the continued lack of respect for artists in Bangladesh compared to their significant contributions.