Small screen playwright and director Maruf Hossain Sajib died of a heart attack at 5am on Tuesday, September 15, at the age of 40, prompting an outpouring of grief from colleagues and actors.

Director Ashikur Rahman said Sajib had been suffering from heart-related complications and had recently received treatment before recovering.

Directors Guild Bangladesh, of which Sajib was a member, expressed deep condolences over his death in a statement issued on Tuesday morning.

According to the organisation, Sajib’s funeral prayer was held after Zuhr prayers at a mosque in Uttara Sector 12. He was later buried at the Sector 12 cemetery.

Actress Mehazabien Chowdhury recalled her interactions with Sajib, saying they had not worked together extensively but had met many times.

“I did not work with Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai very much, but we met many times. When I was regularly working in television dramas, whenever I met him, we would talk about so many things,” she wrote.

Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba also mourned Sajib’s death, writing: “Our beloved director Maruf Hossain Sajib is no more. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. May Allah grant him Jannatul Ferdous.”

Actor Tawsif Mahbub said he was shocked by the news.

“Honestly, I never expected to wake up to such bad news this morning. After hearing the news, it took me around 15 to 20 minutes to understand how to process it. I was stunned for a long time. I still find it difficult to believe that Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai is no longer with us,” he wrote.

Actress Tasnuva Tisha also remembered Sajib for his warmth and kindness.

“Some people’s sudden departure is truly difficult to accept. Maruf Hossain Sajib bhaiya, every time I met him, his sincerity and kindness left a lasting impression on me,” she wrote on social media.

“He was not only a talented director, but also a genuinely good person. Hearing of his departure today has left my heart heavy. The grief is beyond words.”

Maruf Hossain Sajib had worked as a dramatist and director for many years.

Among his popular dramas are Bilop, Babui Pakhir Basa, Rongin Kagoj, Adhar, Security Girl, Tomake Pawar Jonno, Hasi, Bikel Belar Chhad, Dushto Mishti Prem, Adorer Chand and Jora Shaliker Ghor, among others.