People from all walks of life paid their last tributes to legendary lyricist, film director, producer and screenwriter Gazi Mazharul Anwar after his body was taken to the Central Shaheed Minar on Monday.

There he has been given guard of honour.

Various socio-cultural organisations and people paid their last tributes to the coffin of the late lyricist.

Earlier, the body was taken to the Shaheed Minar from the mortuary of United Hospital at 11am.

From the Central Shaheed Minar, the body of late lyricist will be taken to BFDC where his first namaz-e-janaza will be held. Later, his second funeral prayer will be held on Channel i premises.

Gazi Mazharul Anwar will be buried at Banani graveyard beside his mother after third janaza that will be held at Gulshan Azad mosque.

The legendary lyricist breathed his last at the United Hospital after some time of his arrival from his residence in the city on Sunday (September 4) morning. 

Gazi Mazharul Anwar, also a member of the BNP Chairperson's advisory council, was born in February 22, 1943, at Taleshwar village in Cumilla's Daudkandi upazila in the then Bengal Presidency of British India. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2002 for his contribution to the field of music, and received the National Film Award five times. He also won the Swadhinata Padak last year.

Anwar started his career as a lyricist in the Dhallywood film industry in 1965. He wrote songs for Zahir Raihan's films, including Kacher Dewal (1965), Behula (1966), and Dui Bhai (1968).

Three of his songs have been included in the list of the '20 greatest Bengali songs', made by BBC Bangla.

He wrote 'Joy Bangla Banglar Joy', which became the theme song of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. He also wrote 'Amay Jodi Prosno Koro Kolokakolir Desh'. 'Joy Bangla' became the theme song for the Awami League.

He wrote screenplays for multiple films, including Urdu songs for Urdu-language films.

'Ek Nodi Rokto Periye,' 'Swajan Harano Diner Smarane,' 'Ektara Tui Desher Kotha', 'Bondhu Tor Barat Niya', 'Chokher nozor emni koira', 'Ekbar Jete Dena', 'Amay Jodi Prosno Koro Kolokakolir Desh', 'Jodi amake dekhte sadh hoy', 'Ei Prithibir Pore', 'Prosno Koro Na', 'Koto Sadhonay Emon Bhagyo Mele', 'Jibon Amar Dhonyo Holo', 'Hayre Hay Miss Lanka', 'Ganeri Khatay Swaralipi Likhe', 'Bazare Jachai Kore Dekhinito Daam', 'Amar Buker Modhyekhane', 'O Amar Roshiya Bondhure', 'Ogo Chand Ora Bole' and 'Tandrahara Noyono Amar', 'Sagorer Teer Theke,' 'Monero Ronge Rangabo,' 'Akasher Haatey Achhe Ek Rash Neel,' 'Osru Diye Lekha,' 'O Amar Rosiya Bondhure,' 'Eki Sonar Aloy,' 'Ami Rajanigandha Phuler Moto,' are some of his most popular songs in Bengali film industry.

As a film director, he has directed 19 films including “Shasti,” Bicharpoti,” “Artonad,” “Jiboner Golpo” and more.