Mahmud Sajjad passes away

Noted television and film actor Mahmud Sajjad passed away at 3:30pm yesterday, at the age of 73. His brother, theatre personality M Hamid, confirmed the news to The Daily Star.

Mahmud Sajjad was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka upon testing positive for Covid-19 on September 1. When his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Eventually, he tested negative for coronavirus. However, he was admitted to the ICU again due to post Covid-19 complications. The actor was later given a feeding tube and prescribed some antibiotics, as his condition deteriorated. He was in the ICU for 54 consecutive days.

Mahmud Sajjad made his acting debut with renowned director Zahir Raihan's film, "Sangsar". His other notable films include Khan Ataur Rahman's "Jhorer Pakhi", "Apon Por", and Aziz Azhar's "Chokher Joley", among many others.

He was associated with the theatre troupe, Natyachakra Natyadal since he was a university student. He was a part of popular plays like "Let There Be Light" and "Spartacus''.

Mahmud Sajjad's younger brother KM Khalid is the state minister for cultural affairs and his niece, Tanima Hamid, is a popular television actress.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock at the death of noted cultural personality and celebrated actor.

President Hamid said people will remember Sajjad's contribution to the cultural area with due respect, the president's press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB.

In a condolence message, the prime minister said, ''Mahmud Sajjad will remain alive in the hearts of people for his contributions."

Hasina also prayed for the salvation of the departed soul and expressed deep sympathy to his bereaved family members.