Renowned cultural figure and and one of the pioneering figures of puppet theatre in Bangladesh, Mustafa Monwar, was remembered yesterday evening through an emotional tribute programme featuring songs, poetry recitations and discussions on his life and legacy.

Held at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the event brought together artistes, cultural personalities, admirers and colleagues who reflected on Monwar's immense contributions to the country's art and cultural landscape.

As part of the tribute, flower petals were scattered around his portrait and candles were lit at the main auditorium premises of the National Theatre Hall. An exhibition showcasing a selection of his artworks, alongside photographs and materials documenting his life and achievements, was also organised at the venue.

The exhibition featured several of Monwar's beloved puppet characters, including Montri, Gittu, Raja, Bagha, Meni, Kushri Chhana, Baul, Shikkhok, Shar, Bokor, Pundit and Dragon. A brief biography of the artist was presented at the beginning of the programme.

Speakers shared personal anecdotes and memories, highlighting Monwar's multifaceted career as a visual artist, educator, theatre practitioner and cultural organiser. They also discussed his pioneering role in popularising puppet theatre in Bangladesh and his enduring influence on generations of artists and cultural activists.

Cultural personality Nasir Uddin Yousuff said, "I believe people like him never truly die. He was not my teacher, yet I learned from him. I still do, and I always will.

"Through his work, he has inspired thousands of people like me and will continue to inspire future generations. He embodied the philosophy of 'art for life' and 'art for struggle'."

Recalling her lifelong companion, Mustafa Monwar's wife Mary Monwar said, "We have all gathered here today to remember Mustafa Monwar, my companion of 61 years. It is difficult to put into words how deeply people across the country loved him.

"I used to notice that whenever we went somewhere together, it was almost impossible for him to walk freely. People would appear from everywhere, surround him and ask to take photographs with him. I am deeply grateful to all of you for being here today to pay tribute to him and honour his memory."

Actor Shahiduzzaman Selim paid tribute to the late artist, saying, "Mustafa Monwar was the founding president of the Television Directors' Guild. I am currently serving as the president of the organisation. On behalf of all directors, I pay my respects to him.”

Renowned dancer Shamim Ara Nipa described Monwar as a towering presence in Bangladesh's cultural sphere.

"Mustafa Monwar was like the sky—vast and eternal, untouched by decay. He was someone who could not be held or touched, only felt. I have had the privilege of working with him since the early 1980s," she said.

"He was incredibly courageous and deeply committed to his work. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him. Mustafa Monwar preferred to venture beyond conventional boundaries and was exceptionally meticulous and creative in his work.”

The programme, hosted by actor Afzal Hossain, also featured reminiscences from painter and cartoonist Rafiqun Nabi and actors Abdul Aziz, Keramat Moula, Moniruzzaman, Tariq Anam Khan and Habibul Alam, who shared their memories of the late cultural icon.

Mustafa Monwar passed away on June 29 at Square Hospital in Dhaka after a prolonged battle with multiple health complications.