Veteran theatre icon Ataur Rahman passes away at 84

Veteran theatre personality, actor, playwright and stage director Ataur Rahman has passed away at the age of 84.

He died at around 12am today (12 May) while receiving treatment at a hospital in the capital.

According to a report by The Daily Star, actor Rawnak Hasan confirmed the news of his death.

The report said Ataur Rahman had been on life support after his physical condition turned critical.

Family sources said the cultural icon suffered injuries after falling at his residence last Friday.

He was initially admitted to a hospital in Gulshan before being shifted to another hospital in Dhanmondi for advanced treatment.

As his condition continued to deteriorate, doctors placed him on life support. Physicians later said several of his organs had stopped functioning.

Born on 18 June 1941 in Noakhali, Ataur Rahman emerged as one of the leading figures in Bangladesh's post-independence theatre movement.

Over the decades, he earned widespread acclaim for his work as a playwright, actor, director and author, leaving a lasting impact on the country's cultural landscape.

In recognition of his contribution to arts and culture, he was awarded both the Ekushey Padak and the Independence Award.