Humayun Ahmed's 14th death anniversary today: A legacy that lives on

Today marks the 14th death anniversary of Humayun Ahmed, one of the most beloved and iconic figures in Bengali literature and culture. The legendary writer, filmmaker and playwright passed away on July 19, 2012, while undergoing treatment in the United States. Born on November 13, 1948, in Kutubpur village of Kendua upazila in Netrokona, his creations continue to captivate readers and audiences across generations, defying the passage of time.

Born into a family with a strong literary inclination, Humayun Ahmed was deeply influenced by his parents. His father, Shaheed Fayzur Rahman Ahmed, a police officer who was martyred during the Liberation War, had himself published a book titled 'Deep Neva Jar Ghore'. His mother, Ayesha Foyez, wrote her autobiography 'Jibon Je Rokom'. His younger brother, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, is a renowned science educator and popular fiction writer, while another brother, Ahsan Habib, is a well-known humorist and cartoonist.

Humayun Ahmed began his career as a professor of chemistry at Dhaka University but later left academia to dedicate himself fully to writing and filmmaking. His life was marked by a harrowing experience during the 1971 Liberation War, when he was arrested and tortured by the Pakistani army and survived a firing squad.

His literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, 'Nondito Noroke', in 1972, which created a sensation in the literary world. He went on to produce a string of highly popular novels, including 'Modhyahna', 'Jochona O Jononir Golpo', 'Deyal', 'Matal Hawa', 'Shongkhonil Karagar', 'Shrabon Megher Din', 'Golpo', 'Kobi', 'Leelabati', 'Gauripur Junction' and 'Ei Shob Din Ratri'.

Beyond literature, Humayun Ahmed was an equally successful filmmaker. His notable films include 'Aguner Poroshmoni', 'Shyamol Chhaya', 'Dui Duari', 'Shrabon Megher Din' and 'Ghetuputra Komola'. He also gained immense popularity as a television playwright. His first serial, 'Ei Shob Din Ratri', broadcast in the mid-1980s, made him a household name. His timeless characters—Himu, Misir Ali and Shubhra—remain special attractions for young readers to this day.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to Bengali literature and culture, Humayun Ahmed was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1994. He also received the Bangla Academy Award (1981), the National Film Awards (1993 and 1994) and numerous other accolades.

On the occasion of his death anniversary, special programmes have been arranged at Nuhash Palli, his beloved retreat, and various commemorative events are being held across the country.

Humayun Ahmed's love for rain was well-known, and he often invited his readers to return during the monsoon. Even in his absence, his stories, films and characters continue to inspire and enchant, ensuring his legacy remains eternally alive.