The 72nd birth anniversary of legendary writer, author, lyricist, academician, screenwriter, playwright and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed was observed on Friday.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Humayun's birth anniversary was celebrated by admirers and various organisations with limited programmes and virtual arrangements.
One of the most influential Bengali writers of modern time, Humayun Ahmed (November 13, 1948 – July 19, 2012) is often credited with revitalising Bengali literature and best known for his ‘magic-realism’ based writing.
Making his breakthrough with debut novel Nondito Noroke (1972), Humayun wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh and are still popular among his readers. His books were the top sellers at the Ekushey Book Fair during the 1990s and 2000s.
He received Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Lekhak Shibir Award, Shishu Academy Award, Michael Madhusudan Padak, Bachsas Award and many more, for his outstanding contributions to the Bengali culture and entertainment sphere.
As a successful content-maker in television, Humayun debuted with his drama 'Prothom Prohor' (1983) for Bangladesh Television (BTV). His successful journey in television continued with popular drama serials 'Ei Shob Din Ratri', 'Bohubrihi', 'Ayomoy', 'Nokkhotrer Raat', 'Aaj Robibar' and most notably, 'Kothao Keu Nei'.
Humayun Ahmed also explored success as a filmmaker in the early 1990s and went on to make a total of eight films in his filmmaking career, each based on his own novels. Two of his films, 'Syamol Chhaya' (2004) and 'Ghetuputra Komola' (2012) were the official Bangladeshi submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in their respective years.
He received seven Bangladesh National Film Awards in different categories for the films 'Shonkhonil Karagar' (as screenwriter), 'Aguner Poroshmoni', 'Daruchini Dwip' and 'Ghetuputra Komola'
Commemorating his life and legacy, family members and different organisations along with his admirers are set to observe his birth anniversary today.
Actress and Humayun Ahmed’s widow Meher Afroz Shaon, along with their sons, is going to place floral wreaths on his grave at Nuhashpalli, Gazipur in the morning
Himu Paribahan, a noted fanbase group of the eminent writer, has been observing his birth anniversary for many years - however, due to the COVID-19 situation this year, the group has announced two-day special arrangements, including awareness processions, special Facebook live sessions, online magazine-sketch publications and documentary presentations.
Ten members of the organisation will hold a special procession on cancer and COVID-19 awareness at several places in the city including TSC, Suhrawardy Udyan, Ramna Park and Dhanmondi Lake. The Facebook page of Himu Paribahan will also stream a live music show, featuring Humayun Ahmed’s popular songs. It will also stream a live discussion programme on its Facebook page and unveil a special online magazine pdf on Saturday.
Young writer and journalist Hasan Shawon’s first book Humayunke Niye will be published today under the banner of Avayaa Limited. Satire magazine Unmad editor and renowned cartoonist Ahsan Habib, also the youngest brother of Humayun Ahmed, has illustrated the cover art and wrote the foreword.
Different TV channels, online platforms and radio stations will pay tribute to Humayun Ahmed airing special programmes throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the EXIM Bank-Anyadin Humayun Ahmed Literary Award 2020 was presented among the recipients at Bangla Academy on Thursday.
Prominent writer Hasnat Abdul Hye and young writer Nahida Nahid received this year’s award in two categories. They received crests and cash honorariums of Tk 5 lakh and Tk 1 lakh respectively.
Presided by thespian and former Minister of Cultural Affairs Asaduzzaman Noor, the award ceremony was joined by State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid as the chief guest.
Anyadin magazine editor Mazharul Islam, EXIM Bank CEO and Managing Director Mohammed Haider Ali Miah and Humayun's widow, actress Meher Afroz Shaon also spoke on the occasion.
Since 2015, the ceremony has been held annually on November 12, the day before the eminent litterateur's birth anniversary.-UNB