Legendary Writer Humayun Ahmed's Birthday Today

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13 Nov 2024, 09:08

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Today, November 13, marks the 76th birth anniversary of the legendary novelist, short story writer, playwright, lyricist, and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed. He was born on this day in 1948 in Mohanganj, Netrokona.

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Humayun, who succumbed to cancer on July 19, 2012, was the eldest son of police officer Faizur Rahman Ahmed and Ayesha Faiz, with three brothers and two sisters.

He is regarded as one of the most popular Bangladeshi authors of the 20th century, considered one of the greatest and most beloved writers of post-independence Bangladesh. Known for his unique dialogue-driven style, he introduced a new narrative approach in Bengali literature and pioneered modern Bengali science fiction.

His characters remain memorable even a decade after his passing, and he masterfully portrayed middle-class life with an enchanting prose style. At the Ekushey Book Fair organized by Bangla Academy, his books are still bestsellers among individual authors.

After completing higher secondary education at Dhaka College, he studied chemistry at Dhaka University and polymer chemistry at North Dakota State University. After his studies abroad, he returned to Bangladesh and served as a professor in the Chemistry Department at Dhaka University for many years before leaving academia to focus on writing and filmmaking.

His first novel, Nondito Noroke, was published in 1972, followed by Shonkhonil Karagar in 1974. These novels earned him acclaim from literary critics of the time.

Throughout his nearly 50-year career, he rose to the pinnacle of popularity in Bengali literature. Due to his exceptional storytelling style, he is often called the “Magician of Stories.” His works are known for their candid portrayal of middle-class life.

Humayun Ahmed authored over 200 novels, including Jochna O Jononir Golpo, Deyal, Badshah Namdar, Kobi, Shrabon Megher Din, Lilaboti, Gauripur Junction, Nripoti, Bohubrihi, Madhyanha, Eishob Dinratri, Daruchini Dip, and Nokkhotrer Raat. His characters "Himu" and "Misir Ali" gained immense popularity. He also gained fame for his science fiction and children’s stories, while his television dramas and films, such as Aaj Robibar, Eishob Dinratri, Bohubrihi, Ayomoy, Kothao Keu Nei, Nokkhotrer Raat, Aguner Poroshmoni, Shonkhonil Karagar, Shyamol Chhaya, Shrabon Megher Din, Daruchini Dip, and Ghetuputra Kamola, enjoyed widespread acclaim.

In recognition of his contributions to literature, Humayun Ahmed received numerous awards, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Lekhak Shibir Award, Michael Madhusudan Award, and multiple National Film Awards.

To mark his birth anniversary, Bangla Academy is organizing a seminar at the Shamsur Rahman Seminar Hall today at 4 PM. Dr. Sarker Amin, Director of the Department of Culture, Periodicals, and Auditorium, will deliver the welcome address. The seminar will feature a paper presentation by writer Salahuddin Shubho, with discussions by Professor Ahmed Maula and Professor Sumon Rahman. The event will be presided over by Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam.

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