Eminent Rabindra Sangeet exponent and Ekushey Padak awardee Mita Huq passed away at 6:20 in the morning today at Bangladesh Specialized Hospital in Dhaka. She was 59 years old at the time of passing.

The news was confirmed to The Daily Star by her son-in-law, Mostafiz Shahin and her relative, National Award winning actress Runa Khan.

According to Runa, Mita Huq had fought Covid-19 and tested negative for it a few days ago. However, her condition worsened, and she was taken to the hospital again.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President Abdul Hamid have expressed grief and sent their heartfelt condolences to Mita Huq's family. "We will remember her contributions in popularising Rabindra Sangeet to the masses", said the President in his message.

The singer was be taken to Chhayanaut Sangeet Bidyayatan at 11 am today for her colleagues and well wishers to pay their last respects. She will be buried at Keraniganj's Boromonoharia, beside her father's grave.

Her passing was a huge loss to Rabindra Sangeet. The artiste, who had carved her own niche in the art, was unique in her presentation. In both West Bengal and Bangladesh, she was seen as a pioneer with a inimitable style, never likening herself to anyone else's pattern.

Born into a musical family, the noted artiste received her training from maestros such as the late Wahidul Huq, Sanjida Khatun and Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khan. She was a regular performer in the Bangladesh TV and radio since 1977.

She participated in the Berlin International Youth Festival in 1974, and since then, travelled all over the world for performances.

Mita Huq rose to prominence in the 90's, with her first album "Amar Mon Mane Na". With her mellifluous voice, she won over the hearts of the Bangladeshi listeners. She voiced over 200 albums in her illustrious career.

Huq was the Founder Director and Teacher of the Music Training and Performance Group, Shurotirtha and served as the Head of the Department of Rabindra Sangeet at Chhayanaut in Dhaka. She was also the Former General Secretary and incumbent Vice-President of the Rabindra Sangeet Shommelon Parishad. In 2017, she and writer Hayat Mamud received the Rabindra Puraskar from Bangla Academy.

The legendary artiste was awarded the coveted Ekushey Padak in 2020 for her contributions to music. The artiste was outspoken about the divisiveness, moral corruption and violence in the a world where Tagore had spoken of unconditional peace, and urged everyone to be kinder to one another.

For the last 5 years, the Mita Huq had been battling various kidney-related issues, and underwent dialyis. 

The singer was married to actor-director Khaled Khan who died in December 2013. Farhin Khan Joyita, a renowned singer, is their only daughter.