Veteran playwright and theatre personality Ataur Rahman is undergoing treatment in critical condition and has remained on life support for the past 10 days, according to his family.
The condition of the senior cultural figure, widely known as “Mancha Sarathi”, was confirmed by Rashed Mamun Apu, general secretary of the Actors’ Association.
“Ataur’s condition is quite critical. His family members have sought prayers for him,” he told the media.
Family members said Ataur Rahman was placed on life support after suffering complications from serious injuries sustained in a fall.
His daughter, Sharmishtha Rahman, said doctors were no longer optimistic about his recovery.
“The doctors are not very optimistic now. We are waiting for the miraculous mercy of Allah Almighty,” she said.
She added that his condition had shown slight improvement during the past 10 days before deteriorating again.
“His condition improved slightly for a few days in these 10 days. But later his condition deteriorated again. He has been on ventilation again since yesterday. I ask for prayers for my father from everyone,” she said.
Ataur Rahman is regarded as one of the pioneers of Bangladesh’s group theatre movement. He served as the founding general secretary of the Citizens’ Theatre Society and played a significant role in the development of modern stage drama in the country over several decades.
In recognition of his contribution to theatre and culture, he received the Ekushey Padak in 2001. He was later honoured with the Swadhinata Padak in 2021, the country’s highest civilian award.
During his long career, Ataur Rahman directed and adapted several acclaimed productions, including Raktakarabi, Waiting for Godot, Shajahan and Galileo.
He also served as secretary general of the Bangladesh Centre of the International Theatre Institute and chairman of the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation.
