Folk singer Farida Parveen on life support, doctors rule out treatment abroad

Renowned Lalon singer Farida Parveen remains on life support, and doctors have said it is not possible to take her abroad for advanced treatment in her current condition.

Doctors at Universal Medical College Hospital in Mohakhali said her blood pressure rose slightly on Thursday, but cautioned against drawing much hope from that.

The hospital’s Managing Director Ashish Kumar Chakraborty told Glitz, “Farida Parveen’s blood pressure has increased a little, but her haemoglobin level is very low, the internal bleeding has not stopped, and her consciousness level remains poor.”

“She is now a multi-organ failure patient. We have been trying since yesterday, but it has not been possible.”

On the prospect of treatment abroad, he added: “Given her condition, it is not possible to take her outside the country. It would be extremely risky. She does not have the fitness required for an air ambulance.”

The 71-year-old singer has been under treatment at the hospital’s intensive care unit since Sept 2. On Wednesday, her condition deteriorated, and she was put on life support.

Farida has long suffered from kidney disease, diabetes and other complications. She undergoes dialysis twice a week, but her health often worsens. This year, she has been hospitalised three times.

In February, she was admitted with breathing problems and discharged after 13 days. On Jul 5, she was taken to the ICU again and remained there for two weeks.

Doctors noted her condition had become more complicated when she was admitted again on Sept 2 after falling critically ill during dialysis.

Her family has appealed to the government for assistance with advanced treatment.

Her elder son Imam Nimeri told Glitz that it had become difficult for the family to bear all the expenses.

Farida began her musical journey with Nazrul and patriotic songs before devoting her life to Lalon’s works.

She was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1987 for her contributions to music, and in 2008 she received the Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize from the Japanese government.

She has also sung in several films and won the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer in 1993.

Nearly 16 years ago, she founded the Achin Pakhi Sangeet Academy to pass on the tradition of Lalon songs to new generations.

But her ill health, rising expenses and lack of a permanent space have left the institution struggling to survive.