Cultural icon Mustafa Monwar passes away

Renowned artist, puppeteer, and cultural personality Mustafa Monwar passed away today at the age of 90. The legendary ‘Puppet Man of Bangladesh’ breathed his last at 8:30am while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in the capital.

Monwar had been battling various age-related health complications for several years. He was admitted to Square Hospital on June 14 after falling ill and had been suffering from pneumonia and prostate cancer, according to hospital sources.

The news of his passing was confirmed by his nephew, Zulfikar Rahman.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Ekushey Padak-winning artist and cultural personality Mustafa Monwar. In a condolence message, he said Monwar's passing has created a void in the country's art and cultural landscape that will be difficult to fill. The prime minister prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

BNP Secretary General and Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of eminent artist Mustafa Monwar.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon described his passing as a tremendous loss to the nation's artistic and creative spheres, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

The Ekushey Padak-winning artist’s body will be taken to Bangladesh Television at 9:00am tomorrow, followed by a ceremony at the Central Shaheed Minar at 11am where the public can pay their last respects. His janaza will be held after Zuhr prayers at Dhaka University Central Mosque, and he will be laid to rest at Banani Graveyard.

Born on September 1, 1935, Monwar made pioneering contributions to puppetry, painting, visual arts, and children's cultural programmes. During the 1971 Liberation War, he used puppetry as a medium of resistance, performing in refugee camps across West Bengal.

His contributions to television were equally significant. He joined Pakistan Television as a producer in 1964 and later played a key role in developing children's programmes at Bangladesh Television (BTV). Among his most notable contributions was the beloved talent show ‘Notun Kuri’, which helped nurture generations of young performers. Characters like Parul, Bagha, and Mini became household names, enriching the childhoods of countless Bangladeshis.

Monwar received the Ekushey Padak in 2004 and the Sultan Gold Medal in 2018.