Minhaz Ahmed Piklu, former guitarist of iconic Bangladeshi bands Rockstrata and Aurthohin, passed away yesterday around 9pm. He was 56.  

The news of Piklu's demise was confirmed to The Daily Star by his close friend Sipat Altamus. 

According to Sipat, Piklu fell ill while performing at an event in Rampura. He was rushed to a nearby clinic, where doctors pronounced him dead.  

Piklu, a student of the legendary guitarist Niloy Das, began his musical journey in the mid-1980s. He played for hard rock bands such as Rockstrata and Jolly Rogers and had a brief stint with Warfaze in the early 1990s. 

In 1999, he joined Aurthohin, contributing to several of the band's timeless tracks, including "Odbhut Shei Cheleti," "Shurjo," "Rater Train," and "Guti from Hell."

Photo: Collected

Fans and musicians, including Avoid Rafa, Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal, and Syed Ziaur Rahman Turjo, among others, took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to the guitarist, honouring his unparalleled contributions to the music industry.  

Raef Al Hasan Rafa, a celebrated musician, shared a heartfelt post, stating, "Piklu bhai is no longer with us. For those who don't know, Piklu bhai was Aurthohin's original guitarist, but to me, he was much more. He was my first mentor—the one who believed in me before anyone else. He taught me how to play the guitar, feel the music, and carry myself as a musician."  

The musician further revealed, "I originally wanted to go by 'Raef' as my stage name, but he insisted on 'Rafa.' He not only taught me how to play the guitar properly and feel the music but also how to carry myself as a musician. More than that, he showed me how to feel at home onstage and be confident in front of an audience when I was young and uncertain. I still remember how he would crack jokes in my ear during performances, helping me relax and laugh when I felt nervous."

Photo: Collected

Rafa described Piklu as more than a mentor, calling him a brother and a father figure. "Losing him feels like losing a part of myself, like a piece of my heart is gone. He was performing on stage when he suffered a cardiac arrest. Knowing that he gave his all to music, even in his final moments, breaks my heart even more."  

He further emphasised Piklu's legacy as one of the country's most talented guitarists, highlighting his contributions to songs that have shaped generations.  

Piklu's passing has left a void in Bangladesh's music industry. His effortless charisma and kindness were remembered fondly by those who knew him.  

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"Rest in peace, Piklu bhai. You were larger than life, and your legacy will live on. Thank you for everything. I'll carry your lessons with me forever," Rafa concluded.