Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam on Saturday visited the Dhanmondi residence of Ekushey Padak-winning Nazrul Sangeet artist Shabnam Mushtari, who has long been undergoing treatment for age-related complications and dementia.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the two ministers enquired about the veteran artist's health condition and met with her family after learning of her deteriorating condition.
On behalf of the ministry's Artist Welfare Trust, they handed over a cheque for Tk5 lakh to support her urgent medical treatment.
Deputy General Manager (DGM) of the Artist Welfare Trust Shaila Khanam and members of Mushtari's family were present during the visit.
Shabnam Mushtari was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1997 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Nazrul Sangeet. She later received the National Nazrul Award in 2015. She is the eldest daughter of poet Talim Hossain and novelist-journalist Begum Mafruha Chowdhury.