Dhaka: Noted sculptor and artist Professor Hamiduzzaman Khan, one of the pioneers of modern sculpture in the country, died of pneumonia at a hospital in the city this morning. He was 79.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Hamiduzzaman passed away around 10:30 am at United Hospital in Dhaka, as confirmed by Hamiduzzaman's wife and artist Ivy Zaman. She mentioned that he was admitted to the hospital on July 17 due to severe pneumonia and dengue. As his condition worsened, he was moved to the Intensive Care Unit and later placed on life support. Doctors declared him dead after removing life support at 10:30 am, Ivy stated.
His body was placed in front of the Fine Arts Faculty of Dhaka University at 2:30 pm to allow the public to pay their last respects. A namaz-e-janaza was subsequently held after Asr prayers at the Dhaka University Central Mosque.
Hamiduzzaman Khan was born on March 16, 1946, in Shohoshram village of Kishoreganj. He completed his honors from Bangladesh College of Arts and Crafts (now the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University) in 1967 and joined the department as a teacher in 1970. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2006 for his contributions to art and was elected a Bangla Academy Fellow in 2022. The renowned artist held 47 solo exhibitions throughout his career.
Hamiduzzaman Khan's monumental sculptures will be remembered by Bengalis for generations. His famous works include 'Jagrat Bangla' at Ashuganj Fertilizer Factory, 'Sangsaptak' at Jahangirnagar University, and 'Bijay Ketan' at Dhaka Cantonment. Beyond sculpture, his expertise extended to watercolor, oil, acrylic, and sketch.
Other notable artworks by Hamiduzzaman Khan include 'Unity' at Bangladesh Bank in Motijheel, 'Freedom' at Bangladesh Krishibid Institution, 'Swadhinata Chirantan' at Bangladesh Open University, and 'Mrityunjayi' at the Public Service Commission. He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Shohoshram village in Kishoreganj district.