Describing musician, film director and lyricist Gazi Mazharul Anwar as a legend of Bangladesh, BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday expressed deep shock at his demise. "He (Mazharul) was one of the legends of Bangladesh. It would be wrong to call him only a lyricist as he was a creative artiste whose pen created many wonderful songs and poems in this country,” he said. Fakhrul made the remarks while talking to reporters at  United Hospital as we went there to pay homage to the mortal remains of the noted lyrist. "I'm a bit emotional at his demise as I had a very close personal relationship with him. I can't accept that he is no more. We have lost a rare personality and a brilliant artiste," he said. Mentioning that the songs of the talented artiste inspired freedom fighters during the Liberation War, the BNP leader said, "His songs were the most inspiring for us in the 1971 war of independence, and he wrote thousands of songs in later times.” Fakhrul prayed for the salvation of the departed soul of Gazi Mazharul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved family members. Gazi Mazharul Anwar, also a member of the BNP Chairperson’s advisory council, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 79. His nephew Shahriar Nazim Joy said doctors at the United Hospital pronounced him dead when he was taken there in the morning. Hearing the news of his death, Fakhrul rushed to the United Hospital from his Uttara house and consoled the deceased’s family members.  

Renowned Bangladeshi musician, film director, producer and lyricist Gazi Mazharul Anwar passed away Sunday morning. He was 79. His nephew actor Shahriar Nazim Joy said doctors at the United Hospital pronounced him dead when he was taken to United Hospital on Sunday morning.  Shahana Mirza, daughter-in-law of Gazi Mazharul Anwar, said that his father-in-law was suffering from acidity problem for the past few days. He was taken to a doctor yesterday for blood test and was scheduled to undergo more tests today. Details regarding his namaz-e-janaza are yet to be announced and his burial will take place after the return of his daughter, singer Dithi Anwar who is currently staying abroad.  Born on February 22, 1943, at Daudkandi in Cumilla, Gazi Mazharul Anwar contributed greatly to the cultural and entertainment industry in Bangladesh with a glorious career spanning more than 60 years.  Read:Former election commissioner Mahbub Talukdar no more In his legendary career as a lyricist, he wrote over 20,000 songs including the coveted patriotic song "Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy." He was one of the eminent lyricists of the Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and three of his songs are included in BBC Bangla's list of the "20 greatest Bangla songs." “Sagorer Teer Theke,” “Monero Ronge Rangabo,” “Akasher Haatey Achhe Ek Rash Neel,” “Ganeri Khatay Swarolipi Likhe,” “Ei Prithir Pore,” “Osru Diye Lekha,” “O Amar Rosiya Bondhure,” “Eki Sonar Aloy,” “Ami Rajanigandha Phuler Moto,” are some of his most popular songs in Dhallwood. As a film director, he has directed 19 films including “Shasti,” Bichar Poti,” “Artonad,” “Jiboner Golpo” and more.  He received the Bangladesh National Film Award as a lyricist for ‘Tit for Tat’ (1992), ‘Ajante’ (1996), ‘Churiwala’ (2001), ‘Lal Dariya’ (2002), ‘Kokhono Megh Kokhono Brishti’ (2003) and ‘Meyeti Ekhon Kothay Jabe’ (2016). Gazi Mazharul Anwar was honoured with the Ekushey Padak in 2002 and received the Independence Award in 2021.