Dhaka, Jun 29 (V7N) — Renowned Bangladeshi artist, painter and puppet-maker Mustafa Monowar has passed away while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in the capital. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. He breathed his last at around 9:30 a.m. on Monday (June 29). He was 91.

According to family sources, Mustafa Monowar was admitted to the hospital on June 14 after being diagnosed with pneumonia. As his condition worsened, he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Although ventilator support had been withdrawn a few days earlier following a brief improvement, he was placed back on life support after his health deteriorated again.

Born on September 1, 1935, in Sripur of Jessore district, Mustafa Monowar completed his matriculation from Narayanganj Government School before enrolling in the science department 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 in Fine Arts in 1959.

He married Mary Monowar in 1965. The couple is survived by their son, Sadat Monowar, and daughter, Nandini Monowar.

Mustafa Monowar began his professional career as a lecturer at the then East Pakistan College of Arts and Crafts. Over the decades, he held several key positions in Bangladesh's cultural and media institutions, including Deputy Director General of Bangladesh Television (BTV), Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Director General of the National Media Institute, General Manager of Bangladesh Television, Dhaka Centre, and Managing Director of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC).

He also served as Chairman of the Janabibhag Unnayan Kendra and Project Director of the Educational Puppet Development Centre, making significant contributions to children's education and cultural development through puppet theatre.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts, Mustafa Monowar was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2004. Throughout his distinguished career, he received numerous national honours, including the Tenacious Award for contributions to television drama in 1990, the Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad Award in 1992 for his contribution to fine arts, the Shishu Shilpakala Kendra Honorary Award in 1999, and the Shishu Kendra Special Honorary Award in 2002 for his exceptional work in painting, theatre direction and puppet-making.

Mustafa Monowar's death marks the end of an illustrious chapter in Bangladesh's cultural history. His lifelong dedication to art, television, education and children's cultural development leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

END/SMA/AJ