Renowned fiction director and playwright Maruf Hossain Sajib died of cardiac complications early Tuesday. He was 40.

He breathed his last at around 5 am, according to the Directors Guild Bangladesh.

Sajib had been suffering from heart-related complications and recently underwent treatment, after which he recovered, according to people close to him.

The Directors Guild Bangladesh expressed deep shock and sorrow at his death in a condolence message issued Tuesday morning.

“Directors Guild Bangladesh's respected member Maruf Hossain Sajib passed away today at 5 am,” the organisation said, praying for the salvation of his soul and extending condolences to his family.

His namaz-e-janaza was held after Zuhr prayers at a mosque in Uttara on Tuesday. He was later buried at the Sector 12 graveyard, it said.

The news of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow directors and actors.

Actor Tawsif Mahbub expressed shock at Sajib's sudden death, saying he had spoken to the director only recently about future work and plans.

“It is difficult to believe that Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai is no longer with us,” Tawsif wrote in a Facebook post, recalling their recent conversation and describing Sajib's death as a painful reminder of life's uncertainty.

Actress Mehazabien Chowdhury recalled her interactions with Sajib during the years when she regularly worked in television dramas.

“I didn't work with Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai very much, but I met him many times. When I used to regularly work in dramas, whenever I met him, we would talk about many things,” she wrote.

Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba also mourned Sajib's death, writing, “Our beloved director Maruf Hossain Sajib is no more,” and praying that Allah grants him Jannatul Ferdous.

Director Jahid Preetom recalled Sajib's encouragement and support when they first met during a shoot in Uttara.

Preetom described Sajib as a humble, sociable and realistic person who often encouraged fellow filmmakers and offered support whenever they needed it.

Director Chayanika Chowdhury also expressed shock at his death, recalling Sajib's warm greetings whenever they met and his appreciation for her work.

Sajib had worked in the television and online fiction industry for many years as a director and playwright. His notable works include ‘Bilop’, ‘Babui Pakhir Basa’, ‘Rongin Kagoj’, ‘Adhar’, ‘Security Girl’, ‘Tomake Pawar Jonno’, ‘Hashi’, ‘Bikel Belar Chhad’, ‘Dushto Mishti Prem’, ‘Adorer Chand’ and ‘Jora Shaliker Ghor’, among others.