Playwright and director Maruf Hossain Sajib dies

Playwright and director Maruf Hossain Sajib has died after suffering a heart attack. He breathed his last at 5am on Tuesday, September 15. He was 40 years old at the time of his death.

The news of his death cast a pall of mourning over the entertainment industry, with colleagues and artistes expressing deep sorrow.

Director Ashikur Rahman said Sajib had been suffering from heart problems for a long time. He had recently returned home after receiving treatment and recovering.

In a condolence message on Tuesday morning, the Directors Guild Bangladesh said, "Maruf Hossain Sajib, a respected member of Directors Guild Bangladesh, passed away at 5am today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. On behalf of the organisation, we express deep sorrow at the death of our respected member. We pray for the forgiveness of his soul and extend our condolences to his family."

The condolence message further said that Maruf Hossain Sajib's janaza was held at the Uttara Sector 12 mosque after Zohr prayers on Tuesday. He was subsequently buried at the Sector 12 graveyard.

Recalling his memory, actress Mehazabien Chowdhury wrote, "I did not work much with Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai, but we met many times. When I used to do dramas regularly, we would talk about many things whenever we met."

Actor Ziaul Faruk Apurba wrote in a condolence message, "Our everyone's favourite director Maruf Hossain Sajib is no more. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. May the Almighty grant him Jannatul Ferdous."

Maruf Hossain Sajib worked in the entertainment industry for a long time as a playwright and director. Among the popular dramas he directed are 'Bilop', 'Babui Pakhir Basha', 'Rangin Kagaj', 'Adhar', 'Security Girl', 'Tomake Paoyar Jonno', 'Hashi', 'Bikel Belar Chad', 'Dushto Mishti Prem', 'Adorer Chand' and 'Jora Shaliker Ghar', among several other audience-favourite dramas.