Paying respects to Mostafizur Rahman, a pioneer of BTV's golden era

As the director of Humayun Ahmed's timeless serial “Eishob Dinratri” and the filmmaker behind the acclaimed screen adaptation of the author's celebrated novel “Shankhanil Karagar”, Mostafizur Rahman left an indelible mark on the country's television and film landscape. He later served as Director General of Bangladesh Television (BTV).

The veteran television personality passed away on Sunday (July 26) at the age of 82. According to veteran artiste Kha Ma Harun, Rahman was speaking with members of his family at home when he suddenly fell ill. “He was talking to everyone at home. In the middle of the conversation, he suddenly fell ill. There wasn't even enough time to take him to the hospital,” Harun told The Daily Star.

Born on August 19, 1944, Rahman enjoyed a distinguished career spanning several decades. After serving as Director General of BTV, he went on to become the Chief Executive Officer of the private television channel Banglavision in the early 2000s, later joining Gazi Television (GTV) in a senior leadership role.

Rahman lived at his Uttara residence with his wife, renowned Nazrul Sangeet artiste Rowshan Ara Mostafiz. The couple's two sons, Abhi Mostafiz and Rana Mostafiz, both live abroad. His funeral prayers and burial will be held on Thursday after they return to Dhaka.

The Daily Star spoke to several artistes who worked with Mostafizur Rahman, the visionary whose work and legacy shaped generations of audiences and performers alike.

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Veteran actress Dolly Zahur paid tribute to Mostafizur Rahman, recalling him as a father figure and mentor who shaped some of the defining moments of her career. Her association with the celebrated director began with “Dokhiner Janala” before he cast her as Neelu bhabi in “Eishob Dinratri”, a role that became one of the most iconic in Bangladeshi television.

“‘Eishob Dinratri’ created history. Audiences showered us with love, and even today people remember the serial. All the credit goes to Mostafizur Rahman,” she said.

Dolly also remembered portraying Rabeya in “Shankhanil Karagar”, saying Rahman trusted her ability despite her having recently become a mother. She became emotional while recalling their final meeting earlier this month. “I looked upon him as a father and a mentor. His work will keep him alive forever. May Allah grant him Jannah,” she said.

Renowned actress Champa remembered Mostafizur Rahman as an exceptionally gifted director whose calm demeanour and meticulous approach shaped some of her most memorable performances. She recalled working with him on several BTV dramas, particularly “The Pearl”, before later reuniting for “Shankhanil Karagar”. “He spoke very little, but he communicated everything through his presence,” she said. “He respected everyone on set, rehearsed extensively before filming, and never compromised on quality,” Champa added that Rahman was a kind-hearted man with a creative spirit, whose guidance taught her invaluable lessons that stayed with her throughout her career.

Veteran actor Azizul Hakim credited Mostafizur Rahman with playing a pivotal role in shaping his acting career. He said many of his dramas, including the acclaimed serial “Shomoy Oshomoy” and the one-off drama “Ekti Setur Golpo”, brought him widespread recognition among audiences. Hakim also recalled being cast in “Shankhanil Karagar”, his first feature film, after Rahman personally offered him the role of Montu. “He was like an institution. He spoke little but listened intently and always encouraged artistes to grow,” Hakim said, adding that he remained deeply grateful for the opportunities and guidance Rahman had given him.

Kha Ma Harun, who served as a producer at BTV, remembered Mostafizur Rahman as one of the key architects of BTV's golden era, crediting him with nurturing generations of actors, presenters and producers. Harun recalled that Rahman recognised the potential of Humayun Ahmed's “Eishob Dinratri” and encouraged it to be developed from a single play into a serial that would go on to become a television landmark. 

"He was a visionary who knew exactly which artiste or writer was right for a project," Harun said. “I joined BTV in 1980, when Mostafizur Rahman was serving as Programme Manager. One of BTV's most acclaimed and popular programmes, “Shobinoye Jante Chai”, was entrusted to me by him. I also produced the drama “Phiriye Dao Aranya”, which received an overwhelming response from audiences. He gave me that opportunity as well. The play was written by Monsurul Aziz. He had an exceptional instinct for choosing the right writer and the right people for every production.”