Humayun Ahmed remembered on 14th death anniversary
Novelist Humayun Ahmed
Today marks the 14th death anniversary of acclaimed novelist Humayun Ahmed. He died on this day in 2012 while undergoing treatment in the United States. He was born on November 13, 1948, in Kutubpur of Kendua Upazila in Netrokona district. The grief of losing him still lingers in the hearts of his readers.
Although 14 years have passed since his death, Humayun Ahmed continues to live on through his writings in the hearts of countless readers. His nickname was Kajol. His father initially named him Shamsur Rahman after his own name. Later, he changed his son’s name to Humayun Ahmed. He drew inspiration for writing in many ways from his family. His father, Foyzur Rahman Ahmed, was a police officer who was martyred while serving as the SDPO of the then Pirojpur subdivision during the Liberation War. He also wrote for newspapers and magazines. While living in Bogura, he published a book titled Dip Neva Jar Ghore.
His mother was Ayesha Foyez. Although she did not regularly write, she authored an autobiographical book titled Jibon Je Rokom. Humayun Ahmed’s younger brother, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, is a science educator and novelist, while his youngest brother, Ahsan Habib, is a humor writer and cartoonist.
Humayun Ahmed served for many years as a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka. He later left academia to focus on writing and filmmaking. In 1971, he was detained by the Pakistani army and, after being tortured, was shot in an attempt to kill him. He survived the ordeal.
Following the publication of his first novel, Nondito Noroke, in 1972 after Bangladesh’s independence, Humayun Ahmed quickly rose to prominence. His notable novels include Madhyahna, Jochona O Jononir Golpo, Deyal, Matal Hawa, Shankhanil Karagar, Srabon Megher Din, Golpo, Kobi, Lilaboti, Gauripur Junction and Eishob Dinratri. His notable films include Aguner Poroshmoni, Shyamal Chhaya, Dui Duari, Srabon Megher Din and Ghetuputra Komola. He was also a widely popular television playwright.
His first television serial Ei Shob Din Ratri written in the mid 1980s, brought him widespread popularity. Although he wrote only a limited number of songs, they also became popular. The characters he created in his novels and television dramas, especially Himu, Misir Ali and Shuvro, became role models for many young people.
His extraordinary literary contributions are a treasured part of Bengali literature and Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. In recognition of his achievements, he received the Ekushey Padak in 1994. He also received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1981, the Humayun Qadir Memorial Award in 1990, the Lekhok Shibir Award in 1973, the National Film Award in 1993 and 1994, and the Bachsas Award in 1988.
Various programs have been organized today at Nuhash Polli to commemorate Humayun Ahmed’s death anniversary. In addition, admirers of the writer are holding events across the country, including in his birthplace.
