Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the death of Ekushey Padak-winning artist and cultural figure Mustafa Monowar. In a condolence message on Monday, the Prime Minister said Monowar’s passing created a profound void in the nation’s art and cultural sphere that cannot be easily filled. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended sympathy to the bereaved family.

Mustafa Monowar, aged 90, passed away on Monday morning while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka. Widely respected for his contributions to painting, puppetry, children’s programs, and cultural development, he was recognized as one of Bangladesh’s most revered cultural personalities. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to art and culture, he received the Ekushey Padak in 2004.

Born on September 1, 1935, in Nakol village of Magura district, Monowar hailed from Manoharpur village in Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah. He was the son of noted poet Golam Mostafa.