DHAKA, 27 November 2020, (TON): Freedom fighter Aly Zaker, who fought the liberation war from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in 1971, has passed away at 76. He was hospitalized at United Hospital on November 17 due to cardiac arrest. He had beenin a battle with cancer for the last four years. Moreover, two days ago, he tested positive for COVID-19.

His body was taken to the Liberation War Museum,where his friends and colleagues bid a final farewell to this legendary artist. He was also accorded a guard of honor for his contributions as a freedom fighter to the Liberation War. He was later laid to the rest at Banani Graveyard in Dhaka following Namaj-e-Janaza after the asr prayer at the mosque beside the graveyard.

He is survived by his wife, eminent theater personality Sara Zaker, Son Iresh Zaker, and Sriya Sharbojoya. He married Sara Zaker in 1975.Aly Zaker was born in Chittagong on November 6, 1944. As his father was a high-ranking government officer, his early childhood was in Kushtiya and Madaripur. He studied at ST. Gregory’s High School was then Admitted at Notre Dame College and then graduated from the University of Dhaka.

President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed their deep condolence and sorrow at the death of this screen legend and freedom fighter. In the condolence message, the prime minister stated that the contribution of Aly Zaker in the great Liberation War, art, and cultural arena would be remembered forever. She prayed for his departed soul and expressed sympathy to his family.

He has served under Major general Manzoor in the Great Liberation War. After the liberation War, in 1972, he joined Aranyak Natya Dal. His first stage performance was in a drama of “Kabor” written by a famous playwriterMunier Chowdhury. His most memorable works “Dewan Gazir Kissa,” “Nurul Diner Shara Jibon,” “Macbeth,” “Galileo,” – after joining Nagorik Natya Dal. He also directed plays like, “BakiItihash,” “Bidogdho Romonikul,” “Toilo Sankat,” “Ei Nishiddho Polli Te,” “Ocholayoton,” among others. He was also known for classics like “AajRobibar” and “Bohubrihi” on television.

He was a trustee member in the Liberation War Museum. He was also the chairmen of Asiatic 3 Sixty, a media agency.

Aly zaker received Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh Shilpokala Acedemy Award, Bangabondhu Award, Munier Chowdhury Award, Narenbiswas Award, among many more achievements.