Veteran playwright, director and theatre organiser Ataur Rahman died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dhaka on Monday midnight, bringing an end to the decades-long journey of one of the country’s most influential theatre figures. He was 84.
Ataur Rahman, widely known as ‘Mancha Sarathi’, had been on life support following complications after suffering serious injuries in a fall at his home on May 8. His condition briefly improved after life support was removed on Saturday, but deteriorated again on Sunday, leading doctors to place him back on ventilation. He died after battling for his life for 10 days.
The theatre personality’s death came on May 11, the day of his wedding anniversary, adding further grief for his family. Veteran cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar described the situation as heartbreaking.
“I was talking to his wife yesterday. She told me that her husband was on life support on the day of their wedding anniversary,” he said. “This grief is truly unbearable. Ataur Rahman’s wife will have to bear the pain of losing a loved one on a special day of love until the end of her life.”
Actor Rawnak Hasan paid tribute to the late theatre icon, saying, “Ataur Rahman was our inspiration and a brave guide on the stage. His passing is an irreparable loss. He will live on in the hearts of the people of this country through his lifelong work.”
General Secretary of the Actors’ Association Rashed Mamun Apu also expressed condolences, saying, “Our beloved guardian stage conductor Ataur Rahman is no more. We pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul.”
Following his final wishes, Ataur Rahman was laid to rest beside his mother at Banani Graveyard after people from all walks of life paid tribute to him at the Central Shaheed Minar. He is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
Born on June 18, 1941, in Noakhali, Ataur Rahman developed a passion for literature and culture from an early age. Although he completed a master’s degree in soil science from University of Dhaka, he devoted his life to theatre.
As one of the founders of the Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, he emerged as a director in 1972 through Michael Madhusudan Dutta’s play ‘Buro Shaliker Ghare Ron’. Over the decades, he directed acclaimed productions including ‘Payer Awaz Pawa Jay’, ‘Macbeth’, ‘Godor Pratikkhay’ and ‘Rudro Robi’ and ‘Jallianwala Bagh’.
Beyond directing, he was also active as a writer, publishing books including ‘Natok Korte Hole’, ‘Projapoti Nibondho’ and ‘Mancha Sarathir Kabbokotha’. He additionally worked in television dramas and films and remained involved with cultural organisations throughout his career.
In recognition of his contribution to theatre and culture, Ataur Rahman received the Ekushey Padak in 2001 and the Swadhinata Padak in 2021.
Though the curtain has fallen on his life, Ataur Rahman’s contribution to Bangladeshi theatre is expected to continue inspiring future generations of performers and directors.
