REMEMBERING THE LITERARY GENIUS ON 78TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

Today marks the 78th birth anniversary of celebrated author, dramatist, screenwriter and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed. Renowned for his distinctive fictional characters and magic realism-inspired narratives, the prolific writer was born on 13 November 1948, in Kutubpur village of Netrakona district.
Humayun Ahmed made his literary debut with the novel “Nondito Noroke” in 1972, which marked the beginning of an extraordinary writing career. Over the years, he authored more than 200 works of fiction and non-fiction, most of which became bestsellers in Bangladesh.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Bengali literature and culture, he received numerous prestigious honours, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Literary Award, Lekhak Shibir Award, Shishu Academy Award, Michael Madhusudan Padak and Bachsas Award, among others.
Humayun Ahmed also established himself as one of the most influential television dramatists in Bangladesh. He made his television debut with Prothom Prohor in 1983 on Bangladesh Television (BTV). His creative journey subsequently produced several immensely popular drama serials, including “Ei Shob Din Ratri”, “Bohubrihi”, “Ayomoy”, “Nokkhotrer Raat”, “Aaj Robibar” and the iconic “Kothao Keu Nei”.
He ventured into filmmaking in the early 1990s and went on to direct eight films, all based on his own literary works. Two of his films, “Shyamol Chhaya” (2004) and “Ghetuputra Komola” (2012), were selected as Bangladesh’s official submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in their respective years.
His contributions to cinema were also recognised with seven Bangladesh National Film Awards across different categories for “Shonkhonil Karagar” (as screenwriter), “Aguner Poroshmoni”, “Daruchini Dwip” and “Ghetuputra Komola”.
The legendary writer passed away on 19 July 2012, at a hospital in New York, USA, leaving behind an extraordinary literary and cultural legacy.
Various organisations and cultural platforms have arranged elaborate programmes to commemorate his birth anniversary. The celebrations will begin with prayers at his grave in Nuhash Polli, Gazipur, in the morning.
Himu Paribahan, a prominent fan group dedicated to the writer, will also place floral wreaths at his grave as a mark of respect.
Meanwhile, television channels, online platforms and radio stations have arranged special programmes to pay tribute to the celebrated author.
Channel i will air a musical programme titled “Gaan Diye Shuru”, dedicated to Humayun Ahmed. The programme will be broadcast live from the channel’s studio at 7:30am, featuring performances by Pranti, Othi and Imran Khandaker. A special episode of “Tritiyo Matra” will also be aired at 9:40am.
On the occasion, actor and physician Dr Ejajul Islam will appear in a special episode of the podcast “Behind the Fame with RRK”. Hosted by Rumman Rashid Khan, the episode will feature Dr Ejajul sharing several untold stories about his mentor and idol, Humayun Ahmed.
Recalling his close association with the writer, Dr Ejajul said that he came to realise that Humayun Ahmed was not only a remarkable literary figure but also a generous person with a noble heart. He added that on shooting sets, the writer treated every artist with equal attention and respect.
The special episode will be broadcast simultaneously on Maasranga Television and Radio Dinraat 93.6 FM tomorrow at 9:00pm.