Admirers, theatre activists, and members of the cultural community gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay their last respects as eminent artist and puppetry pioneer Mustafa Monwar was brought in a coffin for the final time.
His body was taken from Bangladesh Television (BTV) to the Shaheed Minar around 11am on Tuesday. The Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation organised the tribute, opening the venue for people from all walks of life to offer flowers and prayers.
The Shaheed Minar grounds turned into an emotional farewell stage as cultural and political organisations, artists, writers, teachers, former students, and ordinary citizens joined together. Floral tributes honoured the celebrated figure of Bangla culture.
Organisations including the Bangladesh National Museum, Nagarik Natya Sampradaya, Ganatantrik Bam Oikya, Shilpakala Academy, Pathshala South Asian Media Academy, Samajtantrik Chhatra Front, Bangarang Natya Dal, Abdullah Al Mamun Theatre School, Ganatantrik Sangskritik Oikya, ITI Bangladesh, Prachyanat, Biplobi Workers Party, Udichi Shilpigoshthi, and Charan Sangskritik Kendro were among those who paid homage under their banners.
After the Shaheed Minar tribute, the cultural icon’s body was scheduled to be taken to Dhaka University’s central mosque for a second funeral prayer.
It would then be brought briefly to his beloved workplace, the Faculty of Fine Arts, before burial at Banani graveyard later in the day.
At 8:55am, a vehicle carrying his body arrived at the BTV premises, creating a deeply emotional atmosphere. His first namaz-e-janaza was held there at 9:52am.
Mustafa died Monday morning while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in the capital. He was 90.
He was admitted to the hospital on 14 June after being diagnosed with pneumonia. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Mustafa, one of the leading figures who popularised puppetry in Bangladesh and introduced new trends in television programming, will remain specially remembered in people’s hearts.
His widely acclaimed puppet character Parul, created for Bangladesh Television, once became a symbol of social awareness and a healthy society.
Over a long professional life, he made outstanding contributions to painting, children’s programming, television, and the wider cultural arena.
In recognition of his special contributions to art and culture, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2004, along with numerous honors and awards at home and abroad.
