Final tribute paid to eminent artist Hamiduzzaman Khan at DU's Charukala

In a quiet homecoming this afternoon (20 July), the revered sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan arrived at his treasured Charukala for the last time, and received final adieu from the art community.

His body was brought from United Hospital to the premises of Charukala around 3:45pm, where a deeply emotional scene unfolded as former and current teachers, students, and admirers gathered to pay their last respects to the eminent sculptor, who passed away at the age of 79.

Among those who paid tributes were Faculty Dean Azharul Islam Chanchal, Prof Abul Barq Alvi, Luva Nahid, Prof Jamal Ahmed, Prof Farida Zaman, Moinul Abedin, Prof Anisuzzaman Anis, Gautam Chakraborty, Pradyut Kumar Das, Kamal Uddin Kabir, Sourav Chowdhury and many others.

Representatives from Gallery Cosmos, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, Samakal Shilpi Gosthi, the Sculpture Department of Dhaka University, and Shanto-Mariam University were also present. Additionally, organisations including Bangla Academy, Bengal Foundation, Brihatta Art Foundation, Dwip Gallery, Safiuddin Shilpalay, Gallery Chitrak, and Bhumi Gallery expressed their condolences.

In a statement issued to the media, Bangla Academy mourned the passing of its Honorary Fellow, expressing deep sorrow and reverence. The message recalled the inauguration and unveiling of 'Nazrul Mancha' — a stage adorned with a sculpture of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam created by Hamiduzzaman Khan — on 25 June 2003.

Following the tribute at Charukola, the janaza (funeral prayer) for Prof Hamiduzzaman was held after Asr prayers at the central mosque of Dhaka University.

Gallery Cosmos Artistic Director Sourav Chowdhury informed UNB that the body would be taken to Sahasram village in Katiadi, Kishoreganj on Sunday night, and the burial will take place there on Monday following Zohr prayers.