Hasan Azizul Huq’s birthday today

Today is the 79th birthday of noted short-story writer Hasan Azizul Huq.

He was born on February 2, 1939 in Jabgraam in Burdwan district of West Bengal, India. However, later his parents moved to Fultala, near the city of Khulna, Bangladesh.

He did his matriculation from Maharani Kalishwari High School the village in 1954, and had his honours on philosophy in Rajshahi University in 1958. He joined Rajshahi University in 1973. Later he became a professor of Philosophy in the university.

Huq is well known for his experiments with the language and introducing modern idioms in his writings. His use of language and symbolism has earned him critical acclaim. His stories explore the psychological depths of human beings as well as portray the lives of the peasants of Bangladesh.

He has received most of the major literary awards of Bangladesh including Bangla Academy Sahitya Purashkar in 1970, Alaul Purashkar in 1983 and the Ekushe Padak among others. He also won the Adamji Sahitya Purashkar in 1967, during Pakistani regime. His most recent haul is the Ananda Puroshkar, delivered from Kolkata.

Gaach, Jibon Ghoshe Agun, Agunpakhi, and Naamhin Gotrahin are some of his greatest books. His stories have been translated into English, Hindi, Urdu, Russian and Czech.