Renowned fashion designer Emdad Hoque no more

Prominent fashion designer and Vice-President of the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB), Emdad Hoque, passed away at a private hospital in Dhaka city on Friday. He was 57.

Born in Urdu Road, Old Dhaka, Emdad Hoque stepped into the field of textile designing as a designer and started writing for fashion periodicals.  He finished his education and joined BRAC's silk project before going on to become a core member of Grameen.

In his career spanning more than two decades, the legendary designer had travelled across the world, representing Bangladeshi fashion in several different settings, and had served as founder of Studio Emdad, Director of Banglar Mela, and the Vice President of Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh (FDCB). He worked to promote women's empowerment in Bangladesh through fashion.

Emdad was diagnosed with renal disease several years ago, after which he was forced to take a break in his career. He returned to his passion and continued his work with utmost dedication and zeal until the end.

Emdad Hoque was hospitalised after complaints of breathing difficulties and had been on life support for the last 50 days of his life. He breathed his last on Friday, at around 2 pm.

His last project, which involved working with khadi, lies incomplete. His dear colleague, designer Shaibal Saha speaks fondly of the massive project he had envisioned before his tragic death.

"We hope we can continue his work with the same enthusiasm and zest for Bangladeshi fashion as he did, but we hope we are able to fulfil his final dream."

His namaz-e-janaza took place after Isha prayers at the Chawkbazar Shahi Jame Masjid.