Humayun Ahmed to live in hearts of millions
Say eminent citizens
Gultekin Khan, former wife of celebrated storyteller Humayun Ahmed, wipes away tears at Shawkat Osman auditorium in the capital during a memorial for the writer yesterday. Sitting next to her are Humayun's sister-in-law Yasmin Haque and brother Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, also a noted author. Photo: Palash Khan
Illustrious writer Humayun Ahmed will forever be alive in the hearts of the millions he charmed for several decades through his creations, said eminent citizens and cultural activists yesterday. The charismatic storyteller immensely enriched Bangla literature, film and drama, enhancing Bangladesh's image abroad, they said at a citizens' memorial meeting on the writer organised by Sammilito Sangskritik Jote in the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Humayun's grief stricken ex-wife Gultekin, their children -- Bipasha, Nova, Sheela and Nuhash -- and Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal's wife Yasmeen Haque were present at the meeting. The 64-year-old writer breathed his last at a New York hospital on July 19 after fighting against colon cancer for nine months. He was buried at Nuhash Palli in Gazipur on July 24. “Thousands paid their respects to Humayun at Central Shaheed Minar with flowers and tears the other day. It is because his creations deeply touched their lives,” said Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman of Dhaka University. It will take time to realise his surprising creations. “Humayun influenced several generations. We both condole and take pride in him,” he said. Taking a trip back down memory lane, Humayun's younger brother, Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, said growing up together, they never realised that Humayun would become such a popular writer. “My brother was extraordinarily creative. He wrote novels, lyrics, dramas and films, and knew painting. He even knew how to perform magic tricks,” said Iqbal, who was by his brother's side during the latter's last days. An interesting coincidence was that their mother was very worried a day before the death. “If Humayun were alive today, he would have interestingly written about this event,” said Prof Zafar. SSJ Vice President Golam Kuddus said Humayun was the first to use a drama, Bohubreehi, to speak out against Razakars (collaborators of the Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War). The Liberation War was the context of many of his novels and films, he said. “Many who used to read foreign horror books turned to Bangla literature just because of Humayun,” he said. Humayun's friend Asaduzzaman Noor, who acted in many of Humayun's dramas, said they spent many memorable years working and enjoying moments together. “Many of my achievements are just because of Humayun. I want to live with the happy memories of him,” he said while wiping tears off his eyes. Cultural activist Ramendu Majumder said one of Humayun's great qualities was his ability to speak the truth without antagonising anybody. Referring to Humayun's dream of establishing a cancer hospital, he said citizens could take an initiative instead of waiting for Humayun's family. Writer Syed Shamsul Huq, filmmaker Morshedul Islam and the jote General Secretary Hasan Arif also spoke at the programme. (Photo on page 20)
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