Language Movement veteran and artist Imdad Hossain no more

Language Movement veteran and artist Imdad Hossain passed away due to old age complications. He died at about 10:30am yesterday at Health and Hope Hospital on Green Road, Dhaka. He was 85.
Hossain left behind his wife, four sons and two daughters, a host of relatives and admires to mourn his death.
About Hossain, veteran artist Qayyum Chowdhury said, “He was my batch mate at Dacca Art College. He was a socially and politically aware person. He was conscious of his cultural heritage. He took a stand against social injustice, oppression and wanted to establish equal rights for common people of our country.
“Hossain was very fond of classical music and noted Tagore exponent Waheedul Haque was his best friend. He had a good collection of gramophone records.”
Architect and art critic Shamsul Wares said, “Hossain was involved in the progressive movement since his adolescence. He will not only be remembered as a brilliant artist (graphic designer) but also a humanist. He designed many sets for BTV as a chief designer. He was also the chief designer of BSCIC. His views and beliefs were often reflected in his set designs.”
Hossain was born in 1926 at Rohitpur, under Keraniganj district. The artist was a 2nd batch student of the Dacca Art College (now Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka). He formed the Agrani Shilpa Shongo with many other renowned personalities in 1952. Later, that year, he organised the East Pakistan Shangskritik Shammelan. During the Language Movement, Hossain took active part in the processions. He encouraged freedom fighters at the training camps and battlefields with his artworks during the Liberation War. He received Ekushey Padak and other prestigious awards for his outstanding contribution to the Language Movement.
Nisar Hossain, Professor, Drawing and Painting Department, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka (son of Imdad Hossain) said, “His remains will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar at 10:30am for a public viewing. His namaz-e-janaza will be held after Zohr prayers at the Dhaka University Mosque. He will be laid to rest at the Rohitpur Graveyard in Keraniganj.