Cultural icon Mustafa Monwar dies at 90

Eminent artist and cultural personality Mustafa Monwar has passed away at the age of 90 due to age-related complications.

The legendary figure breathed his last at around 8:30am on Monday (29 June) while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Square Hospital in the capital.

He had been admitted to the hospital on 14 June suffering from complications related to pneumonia.

Mustafa Monwar was widely regarded as one of Bangladesh's most distinguished artists and cultural figures. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the country's art and cultural landscape, he was awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2004. Over his long and illustrious career, he also received numerous national and international honours and accolades.

Born on 1 September 1935 in Nakol village of Magura district, Monwar's ancestral home was in Monoharpur village under Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah district. He was the son of noted poet Golam Mostafa and Jamila Khatun.

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After completing his secondary education at Narayanganj Government School, he initially enrolled in the science faculty at Scottish Church College in Kolkata. However, driven by his passion for art, he later joined the Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata, where he graduated with first-class first position in Fine Arts in 1959.

Upon returning to the then East Pakistan, Monwar began teaching at the Art College at the invitation of legendary artist Zainul Abedin. He later left academia to join Bangladesh Television, where he played a pivotal role as a programme producer and cultural organiser.

He became particularly popular among audiences through his involvement in children's programmes such as Monir Mukta and Notun Kuri, leaving a lasting legacy in Bangladesh's cultural sphere.