Humayun Ahmed’s 1st death anniv being observed

DHAKA, July 19: The first death anniversary of noted writer, playwright, director and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed is being observed in the country today in a befitting manner.

Different socio-cultural organisations have chalked out various programmes to mark the day.

Television channels are telecasting various programmes including drama in memory of Humayun Ahmed.

Different events like a Quran khawani  after Juma prayers are scheduled at Nuhash Polli of the Pirjali village of Gazipur, the favourite destination of the noted litterateur.

On the occasion of the writer’s first death anniversary 500 orphan children have been invited in an iftar party

Humayun Ahmed died on July 19, 2012 at Bellevue Hospital, New York, after a nine-month battle against cancer at the age of 64, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career of nearly four decades.

Humayun Ahmed at a glance

Born: November 13, 1948

Birth Place: Kutubpur, Mymensingh

Parents: Foyzur Rahman Ahmed and Ayesha Foyez

Occupation: Writer, filmmaker

Education: PhD in Polymer Chemistry, North Dakota State University

Genres: Novel, short story, drama, screenplay, autobiography, column

Subjects: Magic realism, social life, mystery

Influences: Rabindranath Tagore, Ahmed Sofa

First novel: Nandito Narokey (1972)

Notable work(s): Nandito Naroke, Shonkhonil Karagar, Ayomoy, Kothao Keu Nei, Mayurakkhi, Kobi, Janom Janom, Ami-i Misir Ali, Himu, Shubhro, Jyotsna O Jononir Golpo, Modhyanho and Megh Bolechhe Jabo Jabo

Early life: Ahmed went to many schools in Sylhet, Comilla, Chittagong, Dinajpur and Bogra as his father lived in many places upon official assignment. He passed the School Certificate (1965) from Bogra Zilla School. He stood second in the merit list in the Rajshahi Education Board. Later he enrolled in Dhaka College and subsequently in Dhaka University to study Chemistry. He passed both BSc (Honours) and MSc with First Class. He joined Dhaka University as a lecturer of Chemistry. Later he went to North Dakota State University in the United States to study for PhD.

Television and films: The TV serials, "Eishob Din Ratri", "Bohubrihi" and "Ayomoy", based on his books, made Ahmed hugely popular. He directed films based on his own stories. His first film "Aguner Parashmoni", on the Liberation War, won the National Film Award in eight categories.

Literary style: Humayun Ahmed distinguished himself with a unique simple literary diction that quickly became popular.

Death: After a nine-month struggle against colorectal cancer, he died at Bellevue Hospital in New York on July 19, 2012.