Last tributes paid to sculptor Syed Abdullah Khalid

Staff Correspondent: People from all walks of life paid their last respects to sculptor Syed Abdullah Khalid at the foot of his monumental creation Aparajeyo Bangla of the Dhaka University campus on Sunday.

His body was taken to the foot of his monumental creation Aparajeyo Bangla from Charukala Institute of Dhaka University around 12:30pm for people to pay their last respects. Earlier, his body was taken to Charukala at 10:55am for paying respects to him.

Later, the body was taken to the premises of Dhaka University Central Mosque where his namaz-e-janaza was held after Zohr prayers. Afterward, his body was taken to Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard for burial.

Syed Abdullah Johir, the younger son of sculptor Syed Abdullah Khalid, said his father will be buried at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard.

Sculptor Syed Abdullah Khalid who is famous for his work Aparajeyo Bangla breathed his last at the city's Birdem hospital around 11:45pm on Saturday. He was 75.

The noted sculptor was suffering from respiratory problems and diabetes for a long time, said his son Johir.

He suddenly fell sick after joining a ceremony in Sylhet in late April. Then he was admitted to a local hospital. From there, he was taken to the Central Hospital in the capital on May 2 with breathing problems and diabetes. Later, he was shifted to Birdem on May 10, Johir said.

Khalid left behind his wife, two sons and a daughter and a host of friends, relatives, admirers and well-wishers to mourn his death.

The creator of Aparajeyo Bangla, one of the most iconic sculptures in Bangladesh, Khalid not only excelled in sculpture but also made a great impression with his vibrant paintings.

He was honoured with Ekushey Padak this year for his lifetime contributions to arts.

risingbd/DHAKA/May 21, 2017/Yeamin/Amirul