Veteran theatre personality and cultural activist Ataur Rahman, recipient of the prestigious Ekushey Padak and Independence Award, has passed away. He breathed his last late Monday night at a hospital in the capital after remaining on life support for ten consecutive days. He was set to celebrate his 85th birthday this coming June. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and a son.
Confirming the news to the media, his daughter Sharmistha Rahman said preparations are underway to take his body to the Central Shaheed Minar for public homage, although no final decision had been reached as of 1:15am. The family also said he will be laid to rest beside his wife’s grave at the Banani Graveyard following Zuhr prayers.
According to Sharmistha Rahman, Ataur Rahman’s condition deteriorated after he fell at his residence on May 1. He was first taken to a hospital in Gulshan, but later shifted to another hospital in Dhanmondi due to the lack of ICU facilities. He had been on life support since his admission. Although his condition showed slight improvement last Saturday and the life support was temporarily removed, his health worsened again on Sunday, forcing doctors to place him back on life support. After it was removed once more around 1am on Monday night, physicians declared him dead.
Born on June 18, 1941, in Noakhali, Ataur Rahman was regarded as one of the pioneers of Bangladesh’s stage theatre movement. After completing his master’s degree in soil science from the University of Dhaka, he became actively involved in theatre. He was also one of the founding members of Nagarik Natya Sampradaya. In 1972, he made his directorial debut with Buro Shaliker Ghare Ro by Michael Madhusudan Dutt.
Over his long career in theatre, he directed several acclaimed productions, including Waiting for Godot, Galileo, Raktakarabi, Ekhon Duhshomoy, Opekkhaman, Payer Awaj Pawa Jay, Macbeth, and Banglar Mati Banglar Jol. Besides directing, he also played important roles as a writer, actor, and cultural organiser. His published works include Projapoti Nibondho, Monchosharothir Kabyokotha, Natok Korte Hole, and Natyoprobondho Bichitra.
He also served as president of both the Bangladesh chapter and the global body of the International Theatre Institute. In addition, he was associated with several cultural organisations, including the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation and the Sammilito Sangskritik Jote.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country’s theatre and cultural arena, Ataur Rahman was honoured with the Ekushey Padak and the Independence Award.
