Renowned Bangladeshi painter, puppeteer, and cultural organiser Mustafa Monwar passed away on Monday, while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in Dhaka. He was 91.
His niece, actor Nima Rahman, confirmed the matter to the media.
Mustafa Monwar had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Square Hospital since June 14. On June 19, his wife, Mary Monwar, said the veteran artist had been suffering from multiple health complications for a long time.
He was first admitted to the hospital on May 20 and was discharged on June 5 after 15 days of treatment. However, he did not fully recover. Within days of returning home, his condition deteriorated again, prompting doctors to readmit him to the hospital on June 14.
Mary Monwar said his oxygen level suddenly began to drop after he returned home, while his blood pressure also fell. Following medical advice, he was rushed back to the hospital, where he remained under treatment for two weeks before passing away.
Born on September 1, 1935, in Jessore, Mustafa Monwar made significant contributions to Bangladesh's art and cultural landscape as a painter, puppet maker and cultural organiser. During his career, he served in several institutions, including Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the National Institute of Mass Communication and the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2004.
