Veteran Bangladeshi artist, television producer and cultural icon Mustafa Monwar passed away on Monday morning while undergoing treatment at Square Hospital in Dhaka. He was 90.

Hospital sources confirmed his death. He had been receiving treatment there after being admitted with pneumonia on June 14.

Monwar's condition deteriorated during his hospitalization, prompting doctors to move him to the intensive care unit (ICU). Although there was a brief improvement after he was taken off ventilator support several days ago, his health worsened again, requiring him to be placed back on a ventilator.

Earlier, his wife, Mary Monwar, said he had been in critical condition due to a severe bacterial infection in his lungs. Despite extensive medical efforts, doctors were unable to save him.

Born on September 1, 1935, in Nakol village of Magura district, Mustafa Monwar hailed from Manoharpur village in Jhenaidah's Shailkupa upazila. He was the son of renowned poet Golam Mostofa.

Over a career spanning several decades, Monwar made outstanding contributions to Bangladesh's visual arts, children's television programming and the broader cultural landscape. Widely regarded as one of the country's most respected cultural figures, he played a pioneering role in promoting art and creativity through television and public engagement.

In recognition of his contributions to arts and culture, he was awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2004.

His death has cast a pall of grief over Bangladesh's cultural community. Fellow artists, admirers and well-wishers have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to his enduring legacy.

PM mourns death of Mustafa Monwar

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of Mustafa Monwar.

In a message, he said Mustafa Monwar's death created a big vacuum in the country's art and cultural arena that cannot be filled easily.

The prime minister said the nation will always remember his contributions with profound respect and Monwar's works and ideals will continue to inspire the generations to come.

He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and condolences to the bereaved family.