Funeral For Renowned Artist Mustafa Monwar Set For Tuesday

The funeral service for the revered fine artist, cultural icon, and Ekushey Padak laureate Mustafa Monwar will take place on Tuesday, 30 June. His son, Sadat Monwar, confirmed the arrangements outside the hospital on Monday morning, shortly after the news of the artist’s demise sparked widespread mourning across the country’s cultural sectors.

According to family arrangements, Monwar’s body will remain at the family residence on Monday to allow close relatives to pay their respects privately. On Tuesday morning, following the initial funeral prayers, his casket will be transported to the Central Shaheed Minar. The historic monument will serve as the venue for a public wake, allowing citizens, political figures, and members of the cultural fraternity to pay their final respects. The family intends to hold the burial at the Banani Graveyard in the afternoon.

End Of A Long Health Battle

The distinguished master passed away at approximately 09:30 on Monday at a private hospital in Dhaka. He had been battling severe health complications for an extended period, including complex pneumonia and a persistent bacterial lung infection. His condition worsened dramatically on 14 June, necessitating urgent hospital admission. As his vital signs deteriorated, medical personnel transferred him to the intensive care unit. Despite comprehensive intervention from the specialised medical board, he could not be stabilised.

Roots And Early Artistic Journey

Born on 1 September 1935 in Nakol village under the Magura district, Monwar hailed from a family deeply embedded in Bengali literature and arts. His ancestral home was situated in Monoharpur village within the Shailkupa sub-district of Jhenaidah. He was the son of the celebrated poet Golam Mostofa and Jamila Khatun, growing up in an environment that heavily influenced his creative pursuits.

His early academic journey began in undivided Bengal. After completing his secondary education at Narayanganj Government School, he relocated to Kolkata to pursue higher studies. He initially enrolled in the science department at the prestigious Scottish Church College. However, the rigid disciplines of formal science could not contain his true passion for the arts. Listening to his creative instincts, he withdrew from the college to secure a place at the Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata. He excelled in the institution, graduating in 1959 after securing the first position with first-class honours in fine arts. His death leaves a permanent void in the history of Bangladeshi television production, fine arts, and modern puppetry.