Alamgir Kumkum, a noted filmmaker, freedom fighter and the founding president of Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote, died at a city hospital yesterday. He was 65.
Atikur Rahman, son-in-law of Alamgir told The Daily Star that Alamgir had long been suffering from numerous diseases including kidney-related problems and breathed his last at Apollo Hospitals around 11:00am.
Alamgir, also a cultural organiser and former cultural affairs secretary of Awami League (AL) central working committee, left behind his wife, son, daughter and a host of relatives, admirers and well-wishers to mourn his death.
His first namaz-e-janaza was held at his residential area at Rampura's Wapda road after Asr prayers while the second one was held at Bangladesh Television complex at Rampura around 5:30pm.
His third namaz-e-janaza was held at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation around 6:30pm. Later Alamgir's body was taken to Awami League central office at Bangabandhu Avenue around 7:30pm where the fourth namaz-e-janaza was held.
His body is kept at Birdem mortuary and will be taken to the central Shaheed Minar around 11:00am today to enable his well-wishers and fans from of all walks of life to pay their last tribute.
Alamgir will be laid to rest at Banani Graveyard in the city.
A pall of gloom descended in the cultural arena after the news of his demise went out. Grief-stricken relatives, friends, cultural personalities, and acquaintances rushed to his house to convey sympathy to the bereaved family.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock at his death and said the nation will always remember his contributions to the development of culture.
In a message of condolence, she prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.
The filmmaker directed around 40 movies, including 'Amar Jonmobhumi' based on the country's Liberation War.
He was involved with Chhatra League, the party's student wing, during his student life. Besides being a filmmaker, he was also involved in different cultural movements.
Chief Whip Abdus Shahid, AL acting General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Gono Forum President Dr Kamal Hossain, Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote and Dhaka Union of Journalists also expressed deep shock at his death.