Actor, MP Farooque no more

Legendary actor and parliament member Akbar Hossain Pathan, popularly known as Farooque, passed away on Monday. He was 75.

He breathed his last at 8:30 am while undergoing treatment in Singapore, Farooque's niece told UNB.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the death of renowned actor and parliament member of Dhaka-17.

In a message of condolence, President prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed profound sympathy to the bereaved

In aother condolence message, Sheikh Hasina said this eminent actor will remain alive in the hearts of the people of this country through his works.

The Prime Minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family.

Actor Farooque, who is also a freedom fighter, film producer and businessman, was undergoing treatment in Singapore for a long time. His body will be brought to Dhaka on Tuesday morning.

He was elected MP from Dhaka-17 constituency in the last national election.

Farooque made his debut on the big screen in H Akbar's film "Jolchhobi." His performance in Lathiyal earned him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1975.

He is known as 'Mia Bhai' to mass people. He appeared in over 150 films in a career spanning more than five decades.

Meanwhile, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud also expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of legendary film actor Farooque.

In a condolence message, the minister said, "Akbar Hossain Pathan Farooq is one of those in whose hands film industry in Bangladesh had turned around after the independence".