Actor Farooque passes away

Renowned actor and Member of Parliament, Farooque, who garnered fame through his exceptional performances in the Bangladeshi film industry, passed away at around 9am on Monday at Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, where he had been undergoing extensive treatment for nearly two years.

At the time of his demise, he was 75 years old. If he had lived a few more days, he would have celebrated his 76th birthday on August 18.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have expressed profound sadness and heartfelt condolences over the passing of the esteemed actor, parliament member, and courageous freedom fighter Akbar Hossain Pathan (Farooque).

In the message of condolence, the president conveyed his deepest sympathies to the grieving family and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed soul.

Farooque had a profound aspiration to serve his country by dedicating himself to the welfare of the people upon his return. Unfortunately, he could not fulfill that dream. Although he became a member of parliament, he did not get the opportunity to serve the people as he had envisioned.

Farooque dominated the silver screen during the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s. He has acted in more than 150 films. He received National Film Award in Best Actor in a Supporting Role Category for the film ‘Lathial’ in 1975. He was born on August 18, 1948 in Dhaka.

Abar Tora Manush Ho (1973), Sujon Sokhi (1975), Sareng Bou (1978), Golapi Ekhon Train-e (1978), Shaheb (1979), Mia Bhai (1987), Padma Meghna Jamuna (1991), and Koti Takar Kabin (2006) are some of his iconic films.

Farooque’s untimely demise has deeply saddened various organisations associated with the film industry, including the Bangladesh Film Artists’ Association, Bangladesh Film Producers’ Association, Bangladesh Film Directors’ Association, and Bangladesh Film Journalists’ Association.

Final tributes to be paid at Shaheed Minar

“Farooque’s body will be brought to Dhaka on Tuesday morning from Singapore. From the Dhaka airport, his body will be taken to his home in Uttara around 9am,” Bangladesh Film Artistes Association General Secretary Nipun Akter told the media on Monday evening.

Detailing how the late actor will be paid his final respects, she said, “At 11 am, his body will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar for fans to pay their final respects. His namaz-e-janaza will take place at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation, after Zuhr prayers. He will be taken to Gulshan Azad Mosque for his second namaz-e-janaza. After that, his body will finally be taken to his hometown in Gazipur’s Kaliganj, where he will be laid to rest.”

The Battle Within: Farooque’s Health Struggles

In 2012, renowned actor Farooque was admitted to a hospital in Bangladesh, where he underwent a month-long treatment for a chronic kidney disease. Seeking advanced medical care, he embarked on a journey to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on August 30, 2013. After completing his treatment, he returned to Bangladesh on January 7, 2014.

However, on August 18, 2020, his health deteriorated once again. Following a stroke on March 15, 2021, he underwent critical brain surgery. Although he showed signs of improvement on March 18, he tragically fell unconscious again and was immediately rushed to the ICU. Consequently, he was transferred back to Singapore for further advanced treatment. Despite receiving extensive medical care, he passed away yesterday, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance.