Renowned Bangladeshi sculptor Mrinal Haque passed away early today, at around 2:30 a.m., at his residence in Dhaka's Gulshan. He was 61.
Haque was faced with various health complications, including diabetes. He suffered from low sugar and oxygen levels. The artist will be laid to rest at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard, local media reported.
Born on Sept 9, 1958 in Rajshahi, Mrinal Haque received his education from Rajshahi Cadet College. He later received his Bachelor and Masters degrees from the Institute of Fine Arts of the University of Dhaka.
He went to the United States in 1995 and came back to his motherland in 2002.
He earned fame for various monumental sculptures and murals in both home and abroad, including 'Balaka' at Motijheel in the capital; the 'Golden Jubilee Tower' marking Rajshahi University's Golden Jubilee; mosaic paintings, sculptures and murals in New York City at the United States.
Haque built 'Protyasha', the 47-feet concrete and cement made figure in the triangle premises of Bangabazar, which depicts the great Independence War of the country and call for peace on earth.
'Rajoshik' in front of Hotel Sheraton, 'Dolphin' in front of Navy Head Quarters, are some other noted sculptures by Haque.
Besides, he participated and received awards in many national and international exhibitions. His exhibition was held at the Consulate of Bangladesh in New York City in 1999, celebrating the 28th anniversary of Independence of Bangladesh portraying themes of the Liberation War.
Inspired by the world-famous Madame Tussaud’s wax museums, Mrinal opened his own celebrity museum in Bangladesh under the title of "Mrinal Haque's Celebrity Gallery" on Dec 8, 2018 at Gulshan in the capital.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam expressed deep shock and sorrow over the demise of the renowned sculptor. In a condolence message, he prayed for salvation of the departed soul and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family members.
