Farewell to Nayak Raj at Shaheed Minar set for Tuesday afternoon

Thousands of fans are expected to pay their last respects to legendary actor Abdur Razzak, fondly known as Nayak Raj, at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka on Tuesday.

The actor had been suffering from pneumonia and old-age complications and breathed his last at United Hospital on Monday evening. He was 75.

The coffin carrying his body will be taken to Shaheed Minar on Tuesdayafternoon, his eldest son Bapparaj said.

The family had previously said the timing of the farewell event would depend on whether Razzak’s middle son, Bappi, could fly in from Canada.

“My brother cannot return home before Thursday or Friday,” Razzak’s youngest son Samrat told reporters on Monday night. “So we will not wait any longer and bury him on Tuesday.”

President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued condolence messages after the passing of the iconic actor.

The Bangladesh Film Directors' Association announced a three-day halt to shooting as a mark of respect for the matinee idol.

Razzak's first big break came with his role in Zahir Raihan's Behula in 1966.

Neel Akasher Niche, Swaralipi, Jibon Theke Neya, Etotuku Asha, Rongbaz, Baadi Theke Begum, Ananta Prem, Alor Michhil, Obujh Mon, Anarkali, Chhutir Ghanta, Oshikkhito and Dui Poishar Alta are some of the films that helped him emerge as the iconic hero of his industry.

Razzak left behind wife Khairunnesa Lokkhi, his three sons and two daughters, Shampa and Moyna.

The matinee idol of yesteryear had started his career in television before making it to the silver screen in the 1960s.

He received Bangladesh’s highest civilian honour, Independence Award, in 2015 for his role in the cultural arena.