Udichi, Chhatra Union mourn death of writer Akhtar Hussain

Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi and Bangladesh Chhatra Union have expressed deep grief and respect over the death of Udichi's founding member, former drama secretary, rhymester and children's writer Akhtar Hussain. People from all walks of life will be able to pay tribute to his body at the Central Shaheed Minar from 9:30am to 11am tomorrow, Friday. He will later be buried at his village home in Sirajganj.

In a condolence message, Acting President of Udichi Central Council Mahmud Selim and Acting General Secretary Sangita Imam said the death of Akhtar Hussain has created a huge void in the country's children's literature scene and the progressive movement.

Udichi leaders said Akhtar Hussain was born on November 1, 1945, in Nurullapur village of Lalpur upazila in Natore. A believer in progressive ideals from childhood, Akhtar Hussain played an important role in organising the independence struggle against Pakistani rulers in the sixties.

His role was important in building public opinion in favour of the Liberation War through cultural activities. In 1968, he joined progressive organisers, including Satyen Sen and Ranesh Dasgupta, when Udichi was founded.

Akhtar Hussain was the writer of most of Udichi's popular street plays during the 1969 mass uprising, the Liberation War and subsequent periods. His notable street plays include 'Alo Aschhe', 'Asader Shirt', 'Shapath Nilam' and 'Samne Lorai'.

After independence, Akhtar Hussain served in various capacities, including as Udichi's central drama secretary. Another notable work of his was the song 'Shadhin Shadhin Dike Dike Jagchhe Bangalira/ Aj Rukhbe Tader Kara', written by him, composed by Ajit Ray and sung by artiste Timir Nandy, broadcast from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.

Akhtar Hussain also wrote Bangladesh Chhatra Union's anthem, 'Amra To Oikkher Drirohbale Boliyan, Shosoner Karagar Bhangboi'. Chhatra Union has also expressed deep grief over his death.

Akhtar Hussain, accustomed to a simple life, wrote numerous works of literature for children. In his professional life, he worked at various newspapers, including Dainik Sangbad, Dainik Janakantha and Prothom Alo. He received various awards and honours, including the Bangla Academy Award, in recognition of his contribution to Bengali literature.

Akhtar Hussain had long been suffering from cancer. After suffering a brain haemorrhage, he was first admitted to a hospital in Farmgate. Later, after being taken to BIRDEM Hospital, he was admitted to Green Life Hospital. He had been on life support at Bangladesh Medical University since Friday.

Akhtar Hussain breathed his last at 12:30pm on Thursday. He was 81 years old at the time of his death.

Akhtar Hussain's funeral will be held on Thursday evening near his residence in Tejgaon. After his body is kept in the cold storage of BIRDEM Hospital at night, it will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar at 9:30am on Friday for people from all walks of life to pay tribute.

Udichi and Chhatra Union leaders expressed condolences to Akhtar Hussain's family and grieving relatives.