Bangladesh Bids Farewell to Pioneering Artist Mustafa Monwar

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Prominent cultural icon and pioneer of modern puppetry in Bangladesh, Mustafa Monowar, was laid to rest on Tuesday following a series of public tributes that honored his lifelong contributions to the nation’s arts and media. Thousands gathered at Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar to pay their final respects as the state accorded the legendary artist a guard of honor.

The veteran artist, who passed away on Monday at the age of 90, had been battling pneumonia for several months and spent his final days on life support at a Dhaka hospital. His final journey commenced Tuesday morning at the Bangladesh Television (BTV) headquarters in Rampura, a location significant to his legacy as one of the institution’s founding members. Following a funeral prayer there, his remains were transported to the Central Shaheed Minar, and subsequently to the University of Dhaka central mosque for further memorial observances. The artist was laid to rest at the Banani graveyard after a final tribute at his former workplace, the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Born on September 1, 1935, in Magura, Monowar’s artistic journey was marked by early activism and immense creative versatility. As a student in Narayanganj, he faced imprisonment for his protest-themed artwork during the Language Movement. He later pursued formal training at the Government Art College in Kolkata under the mentorship of Syed Mujtaba Ali, graduating with top honors in 1959.

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Monowar’s influence spanned multiple disciplines, from water-color painting—which reportedly drew admiration from Satyajit Ray—to set design and music. He played a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh’s media landscape, helping launch BTV in 1965 and creating the iconic puppet character “Parul.” He is also credited with spearheading the beloved children’s program “Notun Kuri” and providing instrumental guidance for the development of the “Meena” cartoon and “Sisimpur.” Beyond his creative output, he held leadership roles at the Shilpakala Academy and the National Institute of Mass Communication, earning the Ekushey Padak in 2004 for his monumental impact on the nation’s cultural identity.

The loss of the multitalented visionary triggered a wave of mourning across the country. High-ranking state officials, including President Mohammed Shahabuddin, expressed their profound condolences, highlighting the void his death leaves in the cultural arena. He is survived by his wife, Merry Monowar, their children, Sadat and Nandini, and a vast legacy of students and admirers worldwide.