Actor Abdul Kader passes away

Veteran actor Abdul Kader, well-known for playing iconic comedy characters on television, has died at a hospital in Dhaka, at the age of 69.

The renowned actor, who was diagnosed with stage IV cancer and later tested positive for Covid-19, breathed his last at Evercare Hospital around 8:20am on Saturday while undergoing treatment there, confirmed actor Shahidul Alam Sachchu, reports Bangla Tribune.

Earlier, he was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital in the early hours of Friday after his condition deteriorated.

The actor left behind his wife, son, daughter, a host of relatives and well-wishers to mourn his death.

Meanwhile, people from all walks of life, including celebrities, cultural personalities and politicians, paid tributes to the actor and offered condolences on various social media. 

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of the popular actor, reports UNB.

In a condolence message, the prime minister said Abdul Kader will live on in the hearts of people for his spontaneous acting.

Both the president and the premier prayed for the eternal salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family.

Besides, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud, among other cabinet members, mourned the death of Kader.

Abdul Kader in 'Kothao Keu Nei' | Collected

The veteran actor returned home from Christian Medical Hospital in India's Chennai on December 20 and got admitted to Evercare Hospital where his coronavirus test result came out positive the following day.

Kader went to Chennai on December 8 for treatment as he fell sick and the doctors there diagnosed him with stage IV pancreatic cancer which had already spread to different parts of his body.

The doctors in Chennai could not provide him with chemotherapy due to the actor's extremely weak and critical health condition.

Kader's family was waiting for further progress of his ailing health so that he can be treated with chemotherapy once his body regains strength, however, things went more critical as he was infected with Covid-19.

Born in 1951 at Sonarang village of Tongibari upazila in Munshiganj, Kader obtained his honours and master's from the Department of Economics at Dhaka University.

He also maintained a professional career at the footwear retailer, Bata, for decades.

Acting career

The acting career of Abdul Kader began with the role of Amal in Rabindranath Tagore's play "Daakghor."

Involved in theatre from student life, he was the drama editor of Mohsin Hall Student Association.

Also Read - Cancer-stricken Abdul Kader tests positive for Covid-19

In 1972, Abdul Kader made his debut on Bangladesh Television (BTV) with the show, "Esho Golper Deshe."

He was also a prominent actor and executive member of drama troupe, Theatre. He performed for more than 30 plays as a part of this troupe.

Some of his notable plays are -- "Payer Awaj Pawa Jay," "Ekhono Kritodas," "Tomrai," "Spordha," "Dui Bon," and "Meraj Fokirer Ma."

He gained popularity in the 90s through several popular television shows.

Kader received various awards, including the TENASHINAS Award, in recognition of his long acting career.

Bodi character brings immense popularity

Abdul Kader became a household name for his iconic character Bodi in Humayun Ahmed's serial "Kothao Keu Nei." The character brought enormous popularity for him.

Key protagonist Baker Bhai (acted by Asaduzzaman Noor) was sentenced to death in a false murder case in the serial where Bodi played a crucial role. Kader was much appreciated for his performance.

He is also best known for playing Dulabhai in Humayun Ahmed's another popular drama "Nakshatrer Raat."

He had a regular spot on Hanif Sanket's "Ityadi," the most popular magazine show in the country.

He also made a mark in television commercials.

Kader served as the vice president of the TV Drama Artiste and Playwright's Association (TENASHINAS).