Film director, producer, lyricist and screenwriter Gazi Mazharul Anwar has passed away at the age of 79.
He died while being taken to the hospital at 7:55am on Sunday, his nephew Shahriar Nazim Joy confirmed.
Born on February 22, 1943, this iconic personality composed more than 20,000 songs, including the famous “Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy”, in a career spanning 60 years.
He received the Ekushey Padak in 2002 and the Independence Award last year.
Gazi Mazharul Anwar also won the Bangladesh National Film Award five times.
Three of his songs are in the list of the "20 greatest Bangla songs", made by BBC Bangla.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed shock and deep grief at the death of the eminent musician.
The famous lyricist will live in the hearts of the people through his timeless creations, Sheikh Hasina said.
She also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended her heartfelt sympathy to Gazi Mazharul's family.
