Zahir Raihan's 90th birth anniversary today

Today marks the 90th birth anniversary of Zahir Raihan — acclaimed filmmaker, writer, and martyred intellectual of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Born on August 19, 1935, in Majupur village of the then Noakhali district, Zahir Raihan played a significant role in Bangladesh's cultural and political movements. He was an active participant in the Language Movement and the 1969 mass uprising, and during the Liberation War of 1971, he worked from Kolkata to campaign for Bangladesh’s independence through films and documentaries.

Raihan began his career in journalism in 1950 and later entered the film industry, initially as an assistant director. He made his directorial debut in 1961 with 'Kokhono Asheni', and went on to direct landmark films such as 'Sangam' (Pakistan's first colour film), 'Bahana' (first CinemaScope film), 'Behula', and 'Jibon Theke Neya', which remains one of the most influential political films in Bengali cinema.

He was also a noted novelist, with works like "Hajar Bochhor Dhore", "Arek Falgun", and "Borof Golo Nodi".

Despite financial hardship, he continued contributing to literature and cinema until his disappearance in early 1972 while searching for his missing brother, fellow intellectual Shahidullah Kaiser. He has been missing since January 30, 1972.

In recognition of his contributions, the Government of Bangladesh posthumously awarded him the Ekushey Padak in 1977 and the Swadhinata Padak in 1992.

To commemorate his legacy, the Zahir Raihan Film Institute is organizing a day-long event including an essay presentation, discussion, recital, and film screening.