The 78th birth anniversary of celebrated Bangladeshi novelist Humayun Ahmed is being observed on Friday with various programmes in Dhaka and Gazipur.

Born on November 13, 1948, in Kutubpur village of Mohanganj upazila in the then greater Mymensingh district, Humayun Ahmed remains one of the most widely read and influential literary figures in Bangladesh.

On the occasion, different programmes were taken at Nuhash Palli, built by the writer himself, in Gazipur, while a three-day book fair dedicated to him is being held in Dhaka.

The Nuhash Palli programmes included a milad mahfil, prayers, cake cutting and floral tributes at his grave. His wife Meher Afroz Shaon, family members, fans and admirers attended the programmes.

The entrance to Nuhash Palli was kept open for visitors on the occasion, allowing fans from different parts of the country to pay tribute to their favourite writer at his final resting place.

Meanwhile, a three-day book fair titled “Humayun Ahmed Book Fair” was inaugurated on the Channel i premises in Tejgaon, Dhaka, on Friday.

Books by Humayun Ahmed published by Anyaprokash and other publishing houses are available at the fair.

Different television channels are also airing special programmes highlighting the celebrated writer.

Humayun Ahmed was a novelist, short-story writer, playwright, lyricist, screenwriter, painter and filmmaker. He also taught chemistry at the University of Dhaka before leaving academia to focus on writing.

He earned a PhD in polymer chemistry following higher studies in the United States.

With more than 300 published books to his credit, some of his best-known novels include “Nondito Noroke”, “Madhyahna”, “Jochona O Jononir Golpo” and “Matal Hawa”.

His fictional characters Himu, Misir Ali and Shuvro became particularly popular among readers.

Humayun Ahmed also made a lasting impact on television and cinema. His notable television dramas include “Ei Shob Din Ratri”, “Ayomoy”, “Kothao Keu Nei”, “Nokkhotrer Raat” and “Aj Robibar”.

Among his acclaimed films are “Aguner Poroshmoni”, “Dui Duari”, “Shrabon Megher Din”, “Shyamol Chhaya”, “Chandrokotha” and “Ghetuputra Komola”.

His contributions to literature and cinema earned him several honours, including the Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Literary Award and National Film Awards.

Humayun Ahmed died on July 19, 2012, while undergoing treatment in New York, the United States. He was later buried beneath a lychee tree at Nuhash Palli, the estate he had developed in Gazipur.