Editorial
Humayun, farewell
May you live in our hearts for eternity
With a heavy heart the nation has bidden farewell to its master storyteller in his last journey of life. The sea of people that turned out to have a last look of him was unprecedented in this country, particularly at the death of any other writer or cultural personality of repute. It again showed what place the author occupies in the hearts of millions, the majority of whom belong to the younger generation. That we are certain will continue for long.
It is worthwhile to note that that the thousands that showed up at the Shaheed Minar with flowers to pay their last respect were avid readers of his books. We may also recall the long queues of book lovers at the stalls of Bangla Academy book fairs that sold Humayun's latest novels every year during the month of February. Admittedly, he had been the driving force behind creating the habit of book reading among the post-independence generations of youths.
Unfortunately, the last journey of this man could not be made completely smooth and peaceful, as a controversy arose among his bereaved family members over selecting the place of his burial. The incident has left a bad taste in the mouth. This should never have been allowed to happen.
Thankfully, his family could at last overcome the differences, and unanimously opted for Nuhash Palli, the serene and tranquil retreat covered with trees and creepers in Gazipur that the shy and reclusive writer loved so much, to lay him to ultimate rest. Though he has left us physically, the magic of his works will keep his fans and readers under spell for years to come.
We again pay our heartfelt tribute to this great word spinner. We pray for the eternal peace of his departed soul.
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