Puppetry pioneer Mustafa Monwar’s funeral prayer held at BTV

For a final time, the mortal remains of renowned artist, theatre director, and puppetry pioneer, Mustafa Monwar — popularly known as the "Puppet Man of Bangladesh" — has returned to the premises of Bangladesh Television (BTV).

Colleagues, admirers, and distinguished members of the country's cultural community gathered at his longtime workplace to pay their final respects.

The hearse carrying Monwar's body arrived at the BTV premises at 8:55am on Tuesday, stirring grief among those gathered. His first Namaz-e-Jananza or funeral prayer was held there at 9:52am.

Among those attending the funeral prayer were Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Bangladesh Television Director General Md Mahbubul Alam, prominent media personality Shaikh Siraj, eminent theatre figure M Hamid, and many others from the country's cultural and artistic arena.

'He Was Our Friend, Philosopher, and Guide'

Following the funeral prayer, theatre personality M Hamid became emotional as he reflected on Monwar's immense contributions.

"It would be difficult to find anyone in television or the arts who was not, in some way, a student of Mustafa Monwar," he said. "He was our friend, philosopher, and guide. We could spend hours chatting with him, and even in casual conversations, there was always something valuable to learn."

Recalling Monwar's role in shaping Bangladesh Television, Hamid added, "Every employee and official here has, in one way or another, been his student. His contribution to BTV was extraordinary. In fact, he changed the course of my own career. I had qualified for the BCS Administration Cadre, but he told me, ‘That's not where you belong. You should come to television.’ I followed his advice, joined television, and have enjoyed this profession throughout my life."

'He Was a Source of Inspiration'

Paying tribute, BTV Director General Md Mahbubul Alam said, "Mustafa Monwar Sir was a source of inspiration for all of us. There is hardly any field of art, literature, or culture that has not been touched by his creativity. He was not only the director general of Bangladesh Television but also led some of the country's premier cultural institutions, including the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy."

'At His Core, He Was a True Artist'

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul and expressed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family.

He said, "If one were to compile a list of the nation's most gifted individuals, Mustafa Monwar would undoubtedly be among the very top tier. Since our youth, we have admired his remarkable versatility. At his core, he was a true artist. Wherever he served, he left a lasting mark through his talent, integrity, and intellectual depth."

The minister added, "We are fortunate that, during his final journey, we were able to gather here at the BTV premises—where he spent so much of his professional life—to offer our prayers. On behalf of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the BTV family, we pray that Almighty Allah grants him eternal peace in Jannah."

After the first funeral prayer and paying tribute at the BTV premises, Monwar's body was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar for further public tributes.