Bangladesh’s cultural community bid an emotional farewell to legendary theatre personality Ataur Rahman on Tuesday as his mortal remains were taken to Central Shaheed Minar for public homage.
From afternoon onward, theatre workers, actors, cultural activists and admirers gathered with flowers and tears to honour the man affectionately known as “Monchosharothi,” whose work helped shape Bangladesh’s post-independence theatre movement.
Floral tributes were placed by leading cultural organisations including Nagarik Natya Sampradaya, Chhayanaut and Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation.
The atmosphere at the Shaheed Minar remained sombre, filled with silence, memories and reflections on Rahman’s towering contribution to Bangla theatre.
Remembering him, cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar said Rahman had devoted his life entirely to art and theatre.
Filmmaker and cultural activist Nasir Uddin Yousuff said generations of theatre workers found direction under his guidance.
Born in Noakhali in 1941, Ataur Rahman emerged as one of the pioneers of modern Bangladeshi theatre after independence.
Over decades, he directed acclaimed productions including Waiting for Godot, Galileo and Macbeth.
An Ekushey Padak and Independence Award recipient, Rahman died on Monday at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy deeply woven into Bangladesh’s cultural history.