Yesterday marked the 68th birth anniversary of the late prolific author, dramatist, screenwriter, playwright and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed (November 13, 1948 –July 19, 2012). To celebrate the day in a befitting manner, different socio-cultural organisations arranged elaborate programmes throughout the day.
The birthday celebration of Humayun Ahmed began by cutting a cake at 12:01 am by his family members. Wearing dresses like Himu and Rupa, two popular characters created by Humayun Ahmed, a group of fans of the writer, started a journey towards Nuhash Palli, in Gazipur from Curzon Hall area of Dhaka University around 6am. The group distributed cancer awareness leaflets among people on their way to Nuhash Palli.
As a part of the celebration, the fifth edition of Himu Mela titled ‘Dew-Channel i Himu Mela 2016’ was held on the Channel i premises in the capital yesterday. Himu lovers wearing yellow Panjabi inaugurated the fair releasing colourful balloons. Among others, Humayun Ahmed’s widow Meher Afroz Shaon, managing director and ceo of Dynamic Consumer and Chemicals Ltd (chief patron of Himu Mela) Md Nazmul Hasan, thespian Keramat Mawla, singers Khurshid Alam, Fakir Alamgir, Selim Chowdhury, Anando Alo editor Rezanur Rahman, owner of Anyaprokash Mazharul Islam, publisher Farid Ahmed, Monirul Haq, members of Himu family and other prominent figures from the different sectors were present at that time.
Besides, singers Kurshid Alam, Selim Chowdhury, Shahnaz Beli and artistes of Shera Kontho and Khude Gaanraj performed songs. Impress Telefilm director Jahir Uddin Mahmud Mamun, among others, recalled fond memories of Humayun Ahmed at the event. Besides, the students of Cambrian School presented a dance performance.
Various stalls featuring video CDs of Humayun Ahmed’s books, films and tele-dramas were set up at Himu Mela. Jointly directed by Amirul Islam and Shahidul Alam Sacchu, the event was aired live on Channel i and Radio Bhumi.
Besides, a discussion and a cultural function were arranged at Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium at 4.30 pm marking the day.
On the other hand, to mark the 68 birth anniversary of late playwright iconic Humayun Ahmed, Mad Theatre staged a special show of their debut play ‘Naddiyo Natim’ on Saturday at the Dr Nilima Ibrahim auditorium of Mahila Samity in the capital’s Baily Road.
Humayun was born on November 13, 1948 in Mohanganj of Netrokona district and died on July 19, 2012 at Bellevue Hospital in New York of the USA after a long battle with cancer.