Ataur Rahman laid to rest beside mother's grave

Renowned theatre personality Ataur Rahman was laid to rest beside his mother's grave at Banani Graveyard in the capital after his funeral and final tributes were completed on Tuesday afternoon, May 12.

Earlier, his first funeral was held at his residence at Isphani Century Arcade in Maghbazar after Zuhr prayers, led by his younger brother Abu Noman Mamudur.

The funeral was attended by cultural personalities including Mamunur Rashid, Zahid Hasan, Nasir Uddin Yusuf Bachchu and Gazi Rakayet.

Following the funeral, Ataur Rahman's body was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar to allow people from all walks of life to pay their respects. He was given a guard of honour by the Bangladesh Navy before the body was taken to Banani for burial .

The theatre personality passed away while undergoing treatment at Popular Hospital in the capital around 12:30 am on Monday, May 11. He was 84 years old .

Ataur Rahman was a founder member of Nagarik Natya Sampradaya. He directed notable plays including 'Godot's Letter', 'Galileo', 'Irsa', 'Rakta Karobi', 'Croyal O Cressida', 'Ekhon Dushomoy' and 'Opekkhaman'. Outside Nagarik, he directed 'Agal Bhangar Pala', 'Payer Awaj Pawa Jay', 'Macbeth', 'Banglai Mati Banglar Jol', 'Narigan', 'Rudra Rabi O Jalianwala Bagh', among others.

He taught at various universities and wrote several books including 'Prajapati Nibandha', 'Manchasrathir Kabya Katha', 'Natak Korte Hole', 'Natya Prabandha Bichitra' and 'Lekhani'. He also acted in several television dramas and films.

Ataur Rahman served as a member of the former Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, the Alliance for Cultural Resistance and the Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Council. He also served on the Bangladesh Natok Appeal Committee and the Film Jury Board.

In recognition of his special contributions to the country's culture and theatre, he was awarded the Ekushey Padak and the Independence Day Award .