Government extends support for veteran artist Mustafa Monwar’s treatment
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has stepped forward to support the medical treatment of eminent cultural figure and artist Mustafa Monwar by providing financial assistance as he remains hospitalised in critical condition.
On Monday, Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam visited the veteran artist at the hospital, where they spent time with him and inquired about his health and ongoing treatment.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. During the visit, Nitai Roy Chowdhury handed over a cheque on behalf of the ministry to Monwar’s family to help cover medical expenses.
“The government remains committed to standing beside the custodians of the country’s arts and culture during times of need. We wish this distinguished artist a speedy recovery and good health,” he said.
The 91-year-old artist is currently receiving treatment under close medical supervision in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in the capital.
According to his wife, Mary Monwar, Monwar was admitted to Square Hospital on June 14 after his condition deteriorated. Following an assessment, doctors decided to place him in the ICU. She said he has been diagnosed with pneumonia.
The artist has faced several health complications in recent months. On May 20, he was admitted to hospital after falling ill and remained under treatment for 15 days before returning home on June 5. However, he had not fully recovered.
Mary Monwar said his health worsened again within days of returning home, prompting another hospital admission on June 14.
“His blood pressure and oxygen levels were dropping, and the doctors advised that he be placed in intensive care,” she said.
A towering figure in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape, Mustafa Monwar is widely recognised for his contributions to visual arts, television and children’s programming. He is also regarded as a pioneer of puppet theatre in Bangladesh and played a significant role in popularising the medium.
Monwar began his professional career as a lecturer at the former East Pakistan College of Arts and Crafts. Over the years, he held several key positions, including deputy director general of Bangladesh Television, director general of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, director general of the National Institute of Mass Communication, general manager of Bangladesh Television Dhaka, and managing director of the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation.
He also served as chairman of the Public Sector Development Centre and project director of the Educational Puppet Development Centre.
In recognition of his contributions to Bangladesh’s cultural sector, Mustafa Monwar received the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2004, along with numerous honours at home and abroad.
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