Mustafa Kamal Syed dies from Covid-19

Renowned television personality Mustafa Kamal Syed passed away yesterday afternoon at Square Hospitals in Dhaka.

He was 74.

He was admitted to the hospital on May 11 after showing symptoms of Covid-19, and was undergoing plasma therapy at the hospital after he tested positive for the virus on May 13, said Pavel Islam, senior executive (Programme and Communications), Programme Department, NTV.

Mustafa Kamal Syed's wife has also tested positive. However, she has been in self isolation and is doing better now, Pavel mentioned.

Syed was serving as the chief of programme at NTV until his death.

Known for his musical productions like Kichu Kotha Kichu Gaan hosted by Abdul Hadi and Gaan Guli Mor hosted by Ferdousi Rahman, on NTV, the seasoned producer started his journey with Pakistan TV's Dhaka wing in 1967. He went on to work with Bangladesh Television (BTV) and retired as a deputy director general from the channel in 2004.

He is also well known for his tele-fictions, Kul Nai Kinar Nai (1983) and Niloy Na Jani (1983), among many others.

Syed was the recipient of National Award for Best Music Producer of Television in 1975. He also received Tenasinas Drama Award in 1994.

His namaz-e janaza was held after Maghrib prayers in presence of close friends, family members, and media personalities. Following the prayers, he was laid to rest at the Banani Graveyard.

Mustafa Kamal Syed was born on May 21, 1946. His father is Syed Zillur Rahman and mother Amatul Umda.

He left behind his wife, renowned singer Zeenat Rehana; his daughter Rehnuma Kamal Ahmed, a news presenter at BTV; his son Rehan Syed who currently lives in the USA; his son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and his grandchildren.