Singer Shahed Ali suffers stroke, diagnosed with dengue

Singer and lyricist Shaikh Shahed Ali, best known for his song Rokzana, is receiving intensive care at a private hospital in Dhaka after suffering a stroke and being diagnosed with dengue, with his planned kidney transplant now postponed.

Shahed was admitted to hospital on October 24 after his sodium levels dropped. He suffered a stroke while undergoing treatment and has since been unable to speak normally, communicating through whispers and gestures, according to his friend Ershadul Huq, head of Cool Exposure.

The musician has been undergoing regular dialysis for the past four years. 

As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to the high-dependency unit of a hospital in Gandaria, Old Dhaka, on October 31. He was subsequently moved to the intensive care unit of another private hospital.

Ershadul said Shahed continues to experience complications despite his latest dialysis session. His right arm and leg have swollen, while a blood clot in the fistula used for dialysis has prompted doctors to consider an alternative arrangement. He remains under close observation.

His illness has also forced the cancellation of a programme scheduled for November 6 at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh. Shahed had planned to release 24 songs composed over the past 11 years under the G-Series label. The project was also set to include four CDs, four cassette editions and four vinyl records for collectors.

The singer was preparing to travel to Delhi after November 15 for a kidney transplant. A donor had already been finalised, Ershadul said, but the trip has been postponed because of his current condition.

Shahed founded the band Gach and has been active in the music industry since the 1990s. His popular songs include Rokzana, Upolobdhi, Classroom-e Boshe Shekha, Utpakhir Dim, Khola Chul and Prem Ashbei.

His debut album, Probhu, was released in 1991, followed by five more albums.

His family, friends and well-wishers have requested prayers for his recovery.