National award winning filmmaker and artist Khalid Mahmood Mithu died after being hit by a falling tree in the capital's Dhanmondi area on Monday. He was 55.

Dhanmondi thana OC Nur-e-Azam  said Mithu received critical injuries as a tree fell on him at about 2:30pm while going outside from his Dhanmondi residence by a rickshaw.

He was rushed to nearby Gonoshasthya Hospital at Dhanmondi -6 where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

However, the rickshaw-puller escaped unhurt.

Born in 1960 in Dhaka, Mithu did his MFA degree from the Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka University in 1986.

Mithu won the National Film Award for his debut film 'Gahine Shabdo' in four categories in 2010. His second movie 'Jonakir Alo' also caught viewers' attention.

He also received Arab Bangladesh Bank Award' for his paintings in 2007.

Noted artist Kanakchanpa Chakma is Mithu's wife.

Namae-e-janaza for the deceased would be held after return of his son from the UK, family sources said.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu expressed profound shock at his tragic death and prayed for salvation of the departed soul.

LY