The first death anniversary of noted writer and dramatist Humayun Ahmed was observed on Friday across the country in a befitting manner with various commemorative programmes on his life and works. Hundreds of fans from different parts of the country, along with the family members, friends and well-wishers visited the Nuhash Palli where he was buried, offered prayers for salvation of the departed soul. They covered the grave with bouquets of flowers to express their love and respect to him. On the occasion, different socio-cultural organisations chalked out various programmes to mark the day. Private television channels aired various programmes including drama, commemorating his legendary life and work. A Quran khawani was held after Juma prayers at Nuhas Palli in Pirjali village of Gazipur, the wooded retreat where the writer was laid to rest, Saiful Islam Bulbul, manager of the Palli said. An Iftar party was also arranged for over 500 people including orphans, destitute, friends and local people at the Palli, seeking eternal blessings for the salvation of his departed soul. Humayun’s wife Shaon, children Nishat and Ninit, family friends and well-wishers also participated at the Iftar.
Humayun’s brother Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Ahsan Habib and Humayun’s first wife Gultekin, son Nuhash Ahmed, daughters Nova Ahmed, Shila Ahmed and Bipasha observed the death anniversary with Milad Mahfil at their Pallibi house in the city.
Youngest brother of Humayun and eminent cartoonist Ahsan Habib said, “It is hard to express the absence of my brother. It is natural that everyone will die. Life is going on but I feel the absence of my brother everywhere.”
Professor Dr Jafar Iqbal, younger brother of Humayun said, “Though Humayun Ahemd is not present physically but his creation will always be remembered.”
Nuhash Ahmed, the elder son of Humayun said, “There are a number of remarkable memories with my father, which are very precious to us. I would carry all those memories through out my life and inspire me to follow the footstep of my father.”
Ayesha Foyes, mother of Humayun Ahmed said “I feel a void due to the absence of my elder son. All are with me except Humayum. Now he is alone lying inside the tomb.”
The state-owned BTV, Bangladesh Betar, and private television channels broadcast special programmes and the newspapers published special supplements on the occasion.
Different programmes were held commemorating the life and works of Humanyun at the Shaheed Smriti Biddyapith, his village Kutubpur, maternal house at Mohonganj, Kendua Sadar Upazila and Netrakona.
A mourning procession and a discussion meeting jointly organised by Humayun Smriti Sangsad, Samakal Suhrid Samabesh, Jugantar Swajan Samabesh were held at the paternal house of the writer at Kendua upazila under Netrakona district, commemorating the life and works of Humanyun Ahmed.
Humayun Ahmed died on July 19, 2012 at Bellevue Hospital, New York, after a nine-month protracted battle against cancer at the age of 64, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career of nearly four decades.
He wrote over 200 fiction and non-fiction books, all of which were bestsellers in Bangladesh. His writing style was characterised as magic realism. His books have been the top sellers at the Ekushey Book Fair during the 1990s and 2000s.
-With The Independent input
