Today marks the 77th birth anniversary of Humayun Ahmed, one of the most celebrated and influential figures in modern Bangla literature. To commemorate the day, various organisations and admirers have arranged elaborate programmes across the country.
The events include ziarat at Humayun Ahmed’s grave, tributes at Nuhash Palli, and a milad and doa mahfil at Shaheed Smriti Bidyapith—an educational institution established by the writer himself.
Born on 13 November 1948 in Kutubpur village of Mohanganj in Netrakona to Foyzur Rahman Ahmed and Ayesha Foyez, Humayun Ahmed’s journey as a writer began with his debut novel “Nondito Noroke” (1972). The novel’s success instantly established him as a major literary voice in Bangladesh.
Over his prolific career, the Ekushey Padak-winning author wrote more than 200 fiction and non-fiction books, almost all of which became bestsellers. His unique storytelling style, blending humour, emotion, and social realism, captured the hearts of millions of readers.
Humayun Ahmed also revolutionised Bangladeshi television drama. His directorial debut came with “Prothom Prohor” (1983) on Bangladesh Television. This was followed by a series of popular dramas and serials including “Ei Shob Din Ratri”, “Bohubrihi”, “Ayomoy”, “Nokkhotrer Raat”, and “Aaj Robibar”. Among them, “Kothao Keu Nei” became a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic character “Baker Bhai”, remaining etched in public memory.
Humayun Ahmed’s films reflect Bangladesh’s history and people. "Aguner Poroshmoni" (1994) shows a family’s courage during the Liberation War, "Shyamol Chhaya" (2004), where the struggle unfolds on a boat filled with people fleeing in 1971, and "Chandrokotha" (2003) beautifully mixes folklore and village life to show the real Bangladesh.
In the early 1990s, Humayun Ahmed turned to filmmaking and directed eight critically acclaimed films, earning seven National Film Awards for works such as “Shonkhonil Karagar”, “Aguner Poroshmoni”, “Daruchini Dwip”, and “Ghetuputra Komola”.
Beyond writing and directing, he was also a lyricist and composer, penning around 40 songs featured in his films and television dramas. Notable among them are “Ekta Chhilo Shonar Konya”, “Pubali Batashey”, and “O Amar Ural Ponkhi Rey”.
Throughout his illustrious career, Humayun Ahmed received numerous honours, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Shishu Academy Award, Michael Madhusudan Padak, and Bachsas Award.
The legendary author breathed his last on 19 July 2012, at a hospital in New York, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of readers, artistes, and dreamers.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
