Humayun Ahmed remembered in Gazipur and Netrokona

Celebrated writer Humayun Ahmed’s eight death anniversary is being observed across Bangladesh. The arrangements this year were minimized due to the pandemic.  

In Gazipur, there was a small gathering of fans at Nuhash Polli of Pirujali village. His wife, actor Meher Afroz Shaon and sons Ninit and Nishad Humayun visited the writer’s grave on Sunday at 12pm. 

Shaon said she hasn’t been able to bring the entire family together to create a museum in Humayun Ahmed’s memory. She seeks every family member’s consent to build the museum by his grave at Nuhash Polli.   

Mazharul Islam, owner of Onno Prokash, said: “The writer dreamt of establishing a world class cancer hospital, which couldn't be realized yet. He will forever remain in the hearts of his readers.”

At the writer’s birthplace, Netrokona, people gathered for prayers and rallies. Netrokona Himu Pathak Adda organized a discussion at the district press club. Netrokona press club secretary, Shyamolendu Pal, demanded to establish a research centre to let the next generation know about the writer’s work. 

Humayun had built a school, Shahid Smriti Bidyapith, in 2006 on three acres of land in Kutubpur village to preserve his father’s memory. The head master of the school, Asaduzzaman, expressed how the writer is dearly missed there.

“Our guardian, Humayun Ahmed sir, build this institution for the underprivileged,” he said. “Memories of him haunt us now that he is no longer with us. We always pray for his departed soul.”

The literature icon is survived by two sons, Ninit and Nishad, with his second wife Meher Afroze Shaon and three daughters - Nova, Shila, Bipasha and son Nuhash Humayun with his first wife Gultekin Ahmed.

He won the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1981 and the Ekushey Padak in 1994 for his contribution to Bengali literature. After venturing into film-making in mid 90s, he won six Bangladesh National Film Awards.