Celebrated Nazrul Sangeet artist Ferdous Ara has made a long-awaited return to Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television (BTV) after being barred from performing for 15 years. Her exclusion was linked to her husband, Dr. Rafiqul Mohammed, who was perceived as sympathetic to an opposition party.
In an interview with the media, Ferdous Ara shared her frustrations about being repeatedly sidelined. “Even when my name was included in programs, it was dropped at the last minute,” she lamented. She recounted a painful incident at Shilpakala Academy where she felt humiliated during a major event.
Reflecting on her return, she stated, "These institutions are vital for our music culture. Performing here is a significant part of my identity as an artist." Ferdous emphasised her commitment to music over fame, asserting, "Despite challenges, I’ve never let distractions sway me." She called for better support for artists, urging a focus on nurturing creativity without political interference.
