Singer Akbar passes away

‘Ityadi’-famed singer Akbar Ali Gazi, commonly known by his stage name Akbar, breathed his last at the capital’s Birdem hospital at around 3 pm yesterday. Akbar’s daughter Othoi confirmed the matter to the press.

His daughter Othoi took to his personal profile and posted a status update on her father’s death.

On Saturday, Akbar was taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) hospital. Later on, he was put on life support as his condition worsened.

Doctors amputated his right leg on October 17 to stop the spread of his infection yet it had reached above the amputated section and was spreading fast.

Akbar had been suffering from various diseases including diabetic-kidney complications for a long time and was being treated at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Hospital in the capital.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina donated Tk 20 lakh for his treatment last year. He is still being treated with that donation and funds raised by various media personalities.

Akbar, who was a rickshaw puller, became an overnight star by performing his song ‘Tomar Haat Pakhar Baatase’ on the popular television programme ‘Itiyadi’ on BTV and also starring in a music video with popular Dhallywood heroine Purnima.

He released numerous tracks and several albums. Akbar also performed in stage shows all over the globe.