Humayun Ahmed

Humayun Ahmed (Bengali: হুমায়ূন আহমেদ [ɦumajuːn aɦmed]; 13 November 1948 – 19 July 2012)[4][5] was a Bangladeshi novelist, dramatist, screenwriter, filmmaker, songwriter, scholar, and academic.

Some of his notable films are: Daruchini Dip, Aguner Poroshmoni, Srabon Megher Din, Shonkhonil Karagar, Dui Duari, Shyamol Chhaya and Ghetuputra Komola.

His works, such as Kothao Keu Nei, Aaj Robibar, and Bohubrihi, are still considered masterpieces by fans and critics.

Widely regarded as the greatest novelist in Bangladesh's history, he is considered one of the cornerstones in modern Bengali literature,[16] his works are characterized by non-violence, realistic storylines, family drama, and humor styles.

Ahmed was born on 13 November 1948, in the Moulvi Bari of Kutubpur in Netrokona mahakuma,[note 1] which was then a part of the Mymensingh district of East Bengal in the Dominion of Pakistan (now Bangladesh).

[22] His father, Faizur Rahman Ahmed (1921–1971), was a sub-divisional police officer in Pirojpur District and was killed in 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

[25] During his childhood, Humayun Ahmed lived in Sylhet, Comilla, Chittagong, Bogra, Dinajpur and where his father was on official assignment.

[29][30] From his very first novel, his themes included the aspirations of average middle-class urban families and portrayed quintessential moments of their lives.

He wrote several novels based on the Bangladesh Liberation War – Aguner Poroshmoni, Matal Hawa, Paap, 1971, Jochona O Jononir Golpo.,[32] and Deyal.

[40] Recurring characters in dramas directed and screenplayed by him are Tara Tin Jon and Alauddiner Cherager Doitto.

[44] Shyamol Chhaya and Ghetuputra Kamola were selected as the Bangladeshi entries for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006 and 2012 respectively, but were not nominated.

[48] His notable singles include "Ekta Chhilo Shonar Konya", "Pubali Batashey", "O Amar Ural Ponkhi Rey", "Jodi Mon Kadey", "Ke Porailo Amar Chokh-e Kolonko Kajol", "Chadni Poshor Raite Ke Anay Shoron Kore", "Ami Aaj Bhejabo Chokh Somudrer Joley", "Cholona Brishtitey Bhiji", "Channi Poshor Raite Jeno Amar Moron Hoy", "Hablonger Bajarey Giya", "Boroshar Prothom Dine", Thikana Amar Notebook E Ache", "Baje Bongshi", "Aaj Jorir Biye", "Cholo Na Jai", "Chika Maro" and "Konya Nachilo Rey" etc.

[48] The songs were rendered by Subir Nandi, Selim Chowdhury, S I Tutul, Meher Afroz Shaon, Sabina Yasmin, Agun, Kuddus Boyati and others.

Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus assessed Ahmed's overall impact saying: "Humayun's works are the most profound and most fruitful that literature has experienced since the time of Tagore and Nazrul.

"[9] Similarly, according to poet Al Mahmud, "one golden age of Bengali literature ended with Tagore and Nazrul and another began with Ahmed".

[9] Writer Imdadul Haq Milan considered him to be "the almighty lord of Bengali literature, controlling all their actions and thoughts".

[9] Dawn, Pakistan's oldest and most widely read English-language newspaper, referred to him as the cultural legend of Bangladesh.

[49] Times of India credited Humayun as "the person who single-handedly shifted the capital of Bengali literature from Kolkata to Dhaka".

[53] 3 days later, Attorney General of Bangladesh Mahbubey Alam drew attention of the High Court on a discrepancy about a detail of the historical event of killing Sheikh Russel in Ahmed's writing.

He formed a collection of statues there by local artist Asaduzzaman Khan and another of plants from around the world, particularly medicinal and fruit-bearing trees.

Pencil sketch of Humayun Ahmed
Ahmed signing books (2010)
Grave of Humayun Ahmed at Nuhash Palli
Ahmed at Nuhash Palli (2010)
Front view of Shomudro Bliash resort at Saint Martin's Island