Alimuzzaman and Raihan Rafi receive Fazlul Haque Memorial Award 2025

Filmmaker Raihan Rafi and film journalist Alimuzzaman have been honoured with the "Fazlul Haque Memorial Award 2025". The awards were presented on Sunday afternoon at a grand ceremony held at the Channel i premises in Dhaka.

The event was attended by noted figures from Bangladesh's cultural and film fraternity, including filmmaker Matin Rahman, actor-director Afzal Hossain, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy poet Rezawdin Stalin, Chairman of Prakriti o Jibon Foundation and Vice Chairman of Impress Group Mukit Majumder, culinary expert and Fazlul Haque's daughter Keka Ferdousi, actress-director Afsana Mimi, CEO of Anannya Prakashan Mazharul Islam, Ananda Alo editor Rezanur Rahman, and journalist Abdur Rahman, among others.

The programme opened with a screening of Shomukhjatri Fazlul Haque, a documentary directed by Shahidul Alam, reflecting on the life and legacy of the late Fazlul Haque—widely regarded as the pioneer of film journalism in Bangladesh.

Fazlul Haque, often remembered as the "Father of Cine Journalism" in Bangladesh, was the founder, editor, and publisher of the country's first film magazine, Cinema. During the 1950s, when the local film industry was in its infancy, he set a precedent through his pioneering work in film journalism. Fazlul Haque also played a direct role in the making of the country's first feature film, "Mukh O Mukhosh", and went on to direct "Son of Pakistan" (President) and "Uttaran"—both regarded as milestones in the nation's cinematic history.

Speakers at the event noted that while Fazlul Haque's contribution to Bangladesh's film and cultural development is unparalleled, he has yet to receive any national honours such as the Independence Award or the Ekushey Padak—a significant oversight.

Rezanur Rahman, editor of Ananda Alo, said, "Those who lay the foundation of something are often forgotten. But Fazlul Haque was our mentor. He built the very base of film journalism and the film movement in Bangladesh. We urge that he be recognised at the national level."

Muqeed Majumdar, Chairman of Prokriti O Jibon Foundation, remarked, "To know Fazlul Haque is to understand the roots of our cultural history. His legacy continues to inspire us."

Mazharul Islam, CEO of Anannya Prakashan, added, "Fazlul Haque is a symbol of our cultural struggle. By learning about him, we recognise our dreams and future."

Director Matin Rahman commented, "Many awards in Bangladesh have faced controversy, but the Fazlul Haque Memorial Award never has—this alone proves its prestige."

Actress-director Afsana Mimi shared, "To keep Fazlul Haque's memory alive, we plan to organise more workshops and seminars so that the younger generation can learn about his life and work."

Poet Rezauddin Stalin announced, "We plan to screen "Shomukhjatri Fazlul Haque" at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and in district-level cultural centres across the country."

A legacy of honour

Introduced in 2004 by renowned author Rabeya Khatun, the Fazlul Haque Memorial Award has been annually presented by the Fazlul Haque Smriti Committee to individuals for their outstanding contributions to filmmaking and film journalism.

This year, filmmaker Raihan Rafi and journalist Alimuzzaman received the honour. Rafi accepted his award alongside his mother, turning the moment into a deeply emotional one. The ceremony concluded with a tribute to Fazlul Haque's visionary work and lasting influence on Bangladesh's film and cultural history.