Eminent artist Murtaja Baseer passed away while undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU) of Evercare Hospital in the capital on Saturday morning. He was 88.
He breathed his last at the hospital around 9.15am, according to family sources. He was admitted to the hospital due to severe respiratory problem and reduction of oxygen consumption rate along with other old-age complications.
Doctors confirmed that he was COVID-19 positive last evening, the family sources added.
Baseer was son of scholar and linguist Dr Muhammad Shahidullah and Marguba Khatun. He is the youngest of nine siblings.
The artist was born in August 17, 1932. He was well-known for his
painting .Murtaja Baseer, also a linguist, teacher, poet, filmmaker, art director, researcher and currency expert, was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1980 and the Swadhinata Padak in 2019.
His namaz-e-janaza was held after Asr prayers and buried at Banani Graveyard.
President Abdul Hamid has expressed deep grief over the death of the Ekushey Padak and Independence Award-winning painter Murtaza Baseer.
In a condolence message, the President said that the death of Murtaza Baseer is an irreparable loss to the art and culture arena of the country. His creations and deeds will forever be a source of inspiration for the younger generation. The President prayed for the forgiveness of the soul of Murtaza Baseer and conveyed his deepest condolences to his bereaved family.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also has expressed deep grief over the death of Mortaza Baseer. In a condolence message, Sheikh Hasina said the unique contribution made by Mortaza Baseer in the development of painting in the country will inspire future generations.
The Prime Minister prayed for the forgiveness of the soul of the deceased and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.
Murtaza Baseer, a painter, cartoonist and one of the most committed activists in the language movement, got admitted to Dhaka Art College (now Institute of Fine Arts) in 1949. He had already played an active role in the language movement. He was also imprisoned for dynamic actions.
After the death of his wife Amina Baseer in 2017, he founded the Amina Baseer Memorial Fund Trust. He left two daughters Munira Baseer and Munija Baseer and a son Mehraj Baseer, and lots of well wishers to mourn his death.
