Renowned Bangladeshi artist, television producer, and cultural icon Mustafa Monwar passed away on Monday morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 90.
Monwar breathed his last at around 9:30 a.m. at Square Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for severe pneumonia and a serious bacterial lung infection.
He was admitted to the hospital on June 14 after his condition deteriorated. Although doctors had briefly removed him from ventilator support a few days ago, offering hope of recovery, his health worsened again, and he was placed back on life support. Despite intensive medical efforts, he could not be saved.
Earlier, his wife, Mary Monwar, had said that he was in critical condition due to a severe bacterial infection in his lungs.
Funeral Arrangements
Speaking to reporters at the hospital, his son Sadat Monwar said that the funeral prayer (Janaza) will be held on Tuesday, June 30.
Following the Janaza, Monwar’s body will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar for the public to pay their final respects. His body will remain at the family residence on Monday, and the family plans to lay him to rest at Banani Graveyard.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Art and Culture
Born on September 1, 1935, in Nakol village of Magura district, Mustafa Monwar’s ancestral home was in Monoharpur village, Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah. He was the son of renowned poet Golam Mostofa.
Over a distinguished career spanning several decades, Monwar made remarkable contributions to fine arts, children’s television programming, broadcasting, and Bangladesh’s cultural landscape. He is especially remembered for elevating the art of puppetry to new heights in the country and inspiring generations through his creative works.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to arts and culture, he was awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2004.
Nation Mourns a Cultural Legend
Mustafa Monwar’s death marks the end of an era in Bangladesh’s artistic and cultural history. His contributions to visual arts, television, and children’s entertainment have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
His passing has cast a deep shadow of grief over the country’s cultural community, with artists, admirers, and well-wishers mourning the loss of one of Bangladesh’s most respected creative figures.
