Eminent theatre personality Ataur Rahman laid to rest

Veteran actor, playwright, and stage director Ataur Rahman, widely regarded as a founding pillar of Bangladesh's post-independence theatre movement, passed away late Monday night at the age of 84.

Following his demise, people from all walks of life gathered to bid a final farewell to the cultural icon yesterday. His mortal remains were kept at the Central Shaheed Minar in the afternoon, allowing colleagues, cultural activists, and admirers to pay their last respects. Earlier, his Namaz-e-Janaza was held after Zuhr prayers at the open field in front of his Moghbazar residence at Ispahani Century Arcade. He was subsequently laid to rest beside his mother at the Banani Graveyard.

The veteran artist had been battling severe health complications after suffering a fall at his home on 1 May. His daughter, Sharmistha Rahman, stated that he was initially taken to a hospital in Gulshan but had to be quickly transferred to Popular Hospital in Dhanmondi to access emergency intensive care. He spent ten days on life support before passing away at around 11:50pm on Monday, just weeks shy of his 85th birthday.

Born in Noakhali on 18 June 1941, Rahman completed his master's degree in soil science at Dhaka University but ultimately dedicated his life to the stage. He was a founding member of the Nagorik Natya Sampradaya and made his directorial debut in 1972 with Michael Madhusudan Dutt's "Buro Shaliker Ghare Row".

Over the decades, he directed a string of critically acclaimed productions that shaped the local theatre scene, including "Galileo", "Raktakarabi", "Waiting for Godot", "Macbeth", and "Payer Awaj Pawa Jay". A multi-dimensional talent, Rahman also acted in television dramas and films, authored numerous books on theatre practice, and served as the president of the International Theatre Institute.

In recognition of his monumental contributions to the nation's arts and culture, he was awarded both the Ekushey Padak and the Independence Award. He leaves behind his wife Shahida Rahman, his daughter Sharmistha, his son Shashata, and a legacy that will continue to influence the country's cultural landscape for generations to come.