Battling with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (a form of cancer), Yasmin was flown to Singapore for medical treatment on the same night. The Daily Star talked to artistes who have known Yasmin up-close. Excerpts from what they had to say about Yasmin and her ongoing treatment:

Alauddin Ali: What can one say about Sabina Yasmin that hasn't already been said? Our collaboration as music director-singer has attained several national awards. She has turned my compositions -- O amar Bangla ma tor, Hayre kopal mondo, Keu konodin amarey tho kotha dilo na, Janmo thekey jolchhi and many others -- into classics. She has sung around 75 percent of my compositions. Her pronunciation, apt emoting and finesse have made her inimitable. I compose certain songs keeping her in mind.

My prayers are with her. Nothing would make me happier than the opportunity to work with her again.

Andrew Kishore: It was probably 1979 when I recorded my first song with Sabina Yasmin. She was a star by then; I was a newcomer. Should've been a nerve-wrecking experience for me, but the diva made me feel at ease, with utmost sincerity. That's Sabina Yasmin for you. Her modesty and ability to befriend anyone are perhaps reasons for her immense popularity -- aside from her obvious authority on music.

We'd recorded so many songs, some of which have gone on to become classics, like Ki jadu korila or Shob shokhirey paar koritey and so on.

We all thought it was just fever and she'd get better soon. The news that she has cancer hit us out of the blue. Eagerly waiting for her to come back and create more classics.

Khurshid Alam: My first playback with Sabina was for the film Protinidhi in 1968. I'd known her since she was a student of Dhaka University. We did some duets for Radio as well as playbacks. Duets with her from films Priyotoma and Nijerey Haraye Khuji were quite popular. We have performed at several programmes at home and abroad over the course of last 30 years.

Back in the day, recording sessions for playbacks used to start around 6pm and went on till 2/3 in the morning. Even after long hours, she'd always manage to maintain her upbeat attitude. Her ability to put people at ease naturally made her a favourite among co-artistes, music directors and musicians alike.

An artiste like her can never be replaced.

Asif: Though I've only recorded 4 songs with Sabina apa, her attitude towards me has always be cordial. She recorded a song with me right before the illness took a toll on her. I remember having a photo taken with her.

What infuriates is the speculation of financing her medial treatment or how the fund would be generated. We're talking about a national icon. People refer to her as "pride of the nation"? Can't the nation take the responsibility of funding her treatment?

The state has sponsored total expenses of treatment for renowned individuals in the past. Is Tk 4 lakh enough for the treatment of cancer?

We were thinking of arranging a concert to raise funds for her but Sabina apa has firmly refused. She doesn't want her dignity taken away; no self-respecting artiste does. We're trying to do whatever we can but Sabina apa needs the whole nation by her side at this moment. I really hope the nation doesn't let her down.