Veteran Bangladeshi actor Abu Taher Mohammad Shamsuzzaman, popularly known asATM Shamsuzzaman, had been hospitalized in the capital’s Asgar Ali Hospital since April 26. His condition has improved and his life support was removed on Saturday afternoon, according to his brother, Saleh Zaman Selim.
Yet, social media has been flooded with rumours of his death since Saturday evening, and the legendary actor’s family is very disturbed with the fact.
Saleh told reporters on Sunday: “By the grace of Allah, he is well now, but people are spreading rumours about his death. What sort of joy do they get out of spreading news of a person's death? I request all of you not to publish news or spread rumours about his death, before confirming it.”
He also said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had instructed senior officials to keep her regularly informed about his brother’s condition while she was abroad.
Shamsuzzaman’s daughter, Koel, told the press: “I have talked to the PM’s special assistant, Barrister Biplab Barua. He and Dr Samanta Lal Sen will talk to her and then we will decide if we will stay here, or move him abroad for further treatment.”
The actor underwent a surgery on April 27. After a 72-hour observation, his condition started to deteriorate and he was put on life support. On May 3, the doctors took him off the ventilator as his health was improving, but he was put back on life support in the morning of May 6.
Born on September 10, 1941 in Noakhali, the actor was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2015. He won the Bangladesh National Film Award five times for his roles in “Dayee Ke?” (1987), “Madam Fuli” (1999), “Churiwala” (2001), “Mon Bosena Porar Table E” (2009), and “Chorabali” (2012).