The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) has expressed profound grief and paid tribute to eminent artist, puppeteer and its former Director General, Mustafa Monwar, following his death on Monday at the age of 90.
In a condolence message, the academy described Monwar as one of the country’s most revered cultural figures whose contributions to fine arts, puppetry and the development of Bangladesh’s aesthetic and cultural landscape remain unparalleled.
BSA Director General Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed, popularly known as poet Rezauddin Stalin, said the institution was deeply saddened by the loss of the legendary artist, who served as the academy’s Director General during the 1980s.
“Mustafa Monwar was one of our most respected artists. I had a long-standing association with him. He was a pioneer of our cultural movement, and his contribution to the country’s artistic and aesthetic development will always be remembered,” he said.
Stalin noted that Monwar’s influence extended across numerous cultural institutions, including Bangladesh Television, and recalled his tenure as Director General of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
“The entire Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy family is deeply mourning his passing. He inspired generations of artists and followers,” Stalin stated.
“As the pioneer of puppetry in Bangladesh, he created numerous educational puppet productions that inspired the nation. Throughout his life, he remained vocal against injustice and inequality,” he added.
According to the academy, Mustafa Monwar served as Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy from March 11, 1986, to April 19, 1987.
Widely known as the ‘Puppet Man of Bangladesh’, Monwar played a pioneering role in popularising puppetry as an educational and artistic medium in the country. His work in fine arts, illustration, television and children’s cultural programming earned him widespread acclaim over several decades.
In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2004, one of Bangladesh’s highest civilian honours. He also received numerous other national and cultural accolades throughout his distinguished career.
Mustafa Monwar passed away on Monday morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. He was 90.
