Kabir Suman wants Islamic burial for himself
The musician withdraws decision to donate his body after death
UNB, Dhaka
Published: 07 Mar 2025
Prominent Indian singer, songwriter, and politician Kabir Suman has withdrawn his decision to donate his body after death, a commitment he made nearly four years ago.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the renowned musician wrote, “Ramadan Mubarak. I want to inform everyone that some time ago, I announced on Facebook that I had donated my body and did not wish for any religious funeral rites. After much thought, I have changed my decision. I am withdrawing my wish to donate my body.”
He added, “I want to be buried in Kolkata, preferably in Gobra, following Islamic traditions. This is my final decision, and I have informed some of my close relatives.”
Suman also made it clear that he does not want any criticism or opinions regarding his decision. “I do not want any comments or opinions on this announcement,” he wrote.
The singer, born in a Hindu Brahmin family in India’s Odisha on 16 March 1949, as Suman Chattopadhyay, gained immense popularity in the 1990s for introducing a unique musical style blending poetry with melody.
In 2000, he converted to Islam and adopted the name Kabir Suman, clarifying that he took the name Kabir after Sheikh Kabir, a Bengali Muslim poet who wrote “Baishnab Padabali”.
Kabir Suman has maintained a deep connection with Bangladesh. In 2000, he married to the iconic Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin.