Pioneering artist Mustafa Monwar, who brought modern puppetry to Bangladesh and shaped generations of children's television programming, died on Monday morning. He was 90.
He breathed his last around 8:30am while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in the capital.
He had been suffering from pneumonia and prostate cancer for a long time. Hospital sources said he was admitted on June 14 after his condition deteriorated and was quickly shifted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Doctors had temporarily removed his ventilator support following some improvement, but his condition worsened again on Sunday.
His niece, actress Nima Rahman, confirmed the news to the media, adding that his body will first be taken to Taqwa Mosque in Dhanmondi before being brought to his residence on Road No. 1.
In separate condolence messages, President and Prime Minister (PM) mourned his death, expressing deep shock and grief, recalling his contributions, and sympathising with the bereaved family.
President Shahabuddin, in his message, said: “His death is an irreparable loss for the country’s art and culture.”
In his message, PM Tarique Rahman expressed deep shock and sorrow, saying: “Mustafa Monwar’s death has created a vast void in the nation’s art and cultural sphere that will not be easy to fill.”
He added that the nation will always remember his contribution with profound respect, and that his work and ideals will continue to inspire future generations.
Born on 1 September 1935 in Nakol village of Magura, Monwar was son of celebrated poet Golam Mostofa. He studied fine arts at the Government College of Art and Craft in Calcutta, graduating first class first in 1959.
He later-on joined Bangladesh Television, where he produced acclaimed dramas such as Raktokarabi and Mukhra Romoni Boshikoron, as well as creating the iconic children’s programme Notun Kuri.
During the Liberation War, Monwar’s puppetry found its deepest purpose. He organised performances in refugee camps to comfort frightened children, earning him the affectionate title “Putulwala.” His puppet character Parul later inspired UNICEF’s globally recognised “Meena” character. He also designed the red sun backdrop at the Central Shaheed Minar and conceived Mishuk, the mascot of the second SAF Games.
