Ekushey Padak
Syed Shamsul Haq’s 5th death anniversary today
Monday marks the 5th death anniversary of the Ekushey Padak and Independence Award-winning writer, playwright and poet Syed Shamsul Haq.
The day is being observed by different organisations through various events including remembrance lecture programmes, book launch events, cultural shows and more.
Kurigram district administration alongside some other different cultural and educational institutions brought out a procession and placed floral wreaths on Haq’s grave on Kurigram Government College campus at 9 am.
Later, Kurigram Press Club arranged a discussion programme at Syed Shamsul Haq Milanayatan at 12 pm.
Read:Writer Syed Shamsul Haque remembered in Kurigram
Prothoma Prokashon, a renowned publishing firm, will launch Syed Shamsul Haq's novel titled ‘Patan’ at the National Art Gallery auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) at 5 pm.
Besides, publishing house Oitijjhya will publish Haq's translation work ‘Quraner Marmanubad’, Journeyman will publish the collection of his essays titled ‘Drishyantari Manushera,’ Ananya will publish ‘Aynabibir Pala’ and Nabanna Prokashoni will publish ‘Muktijuddher Kabita,’ a collection of poems based on Mymensingh Geetika.
Haq was born in Kurigram on December 27, 1935 to Syed Siddique Husain, a homoeopathic physician, and Halima Khatun.
He began writing at a young age, and before completing his matriculation exams, he had written over 200 poems. He enrolled in the English Department at Dhaka University but did not complete his studies.
In 1951, Haq published his debut story titled "Udayasta," in Fazle Lohani-edited literary journal ‘Agatya’. In the same year, he moved to Mumbai, India, to pursue a career as a film director but returned to Dhaka after just a few days, to focus on writing.
Creating a new literary trend in the contemporary Bengali drama, Haq wrote popular verse plays such as “Nuruldiner Sara Jibon,” “Payer Awaj Paoa Jay,” “Ekhane Ekhon,” “Irsha,” “Banglar Mati Banglar Jol” and others.
Also earning a remarkable reputation for novel, he penned many popular and well-acclaimed novels including “Nishiddho Loban,” “Stobdhotar Anubad,” “Baro Diner Jibon,” “Tumi Sei Torbari,” “Simana Chhariye,” “Neel Dangshan,” “Koyekti Manusher Sonali Joubon,” “Nirbasita,” “Khelaram Khele Ja,” “Megh o Machine,” “Brishti o Bidrohigan,” “Swapno Songkranto,” and more.
He wrote several collections of poems including “Birotiheen Utsob,” “Ekoda Ek Rajye,” “Baishakhe Rochito Pangktimala,” “Protidhwonigon,” “Poraner Gohin Bhitor,” Agni o Joler Kabita,” “Ek Ashcharja Songramer Smriti,” Kabita Somogro” in three volumes and others.
As a prolific lyricist, Haq penned hundreds of playback songs, including “Hayre Manush Rongin Phanush,” “Emon Moja Hoy Na,” “Tumi Ashbe Bole Kachhe Dakbe Bole,” “Chander Sathe Ami Debo Na Tomar Tulona” and more. Besides, he also wrote many screenplays for mainstream films.
Read:Writer Syed Shamsul Haque remembered in Kurigram
Often considered one of the best translators in Bangladesh, Haq translated many popular western classics including William Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth,’ ‘Hamlet,’ ‘The Tempest’ and ‘Troilus and Cressida,’ to name a few.
For his influential role in the literature, Syed Shamsul Haq received Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1964, only at the age of 29. The litterateur also received two of the highest state awards - the Ekushey Padak in 1984 and the Independence Award in 2000.
He passed away on September 27, 2016 at the United Hospital in the capital, at the age of 81 after suffering from critical lungs disease.
He is survived by his wife Dr Anwara Syed Haq, son Ditio Syed-Haq, daughter Bidita Sadi and a host of relatives, well-wishers, fans and admirers.
Chhayanaut pays tribute to Rabindra Sangeet legend Mita Haque
Country's prominent cultural institution Chhayanaut arranged an online cultural tribute on Saturday night, in respect of late Ekushey Padak winning late Rabindra Sangeet singer Mita Haque.
Titled 'He Bhubonomohini', the virtual programme broadcasted on Chhayanaut's Facebook group and YouTube channel, was a collective tribute including remembrance talks, recitations and song performances of noted artists and cultural personalities towards Haque, who was Chhayanaut's one of the integral parts through her lifelong bonding with the Institution.
The singer, who was also the unit head of the Department of Rabindra Sangeet at Chhayanaut, passed away on April 11 after losing her battle with COVID-19.
Chhayanaut Secretary General Laisa Ahmed Lisa opened the programme with her introductory remembrance speech, which was followed by other noted solo speakers including Chhayanaut President Sanjida Khatun, artist Nasehun Ameen, Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Hoque, artist Sushmita Ahmed Borna, Asim Dutta, Mohua Monjuri Sunanda, Hasan Arif, Sharmila Bandopadhyay, Bulbul Islam, Enamul Haque Omar, Ahmad Mazhar, Bangladesh Women's Federation President Dr Fouzia Moslem, Durbadal Chattopadhyay and former Minister for Cultural Affairs and eminent thespian Asaduzzaman Noor.
"Mita was surprisingly active with strong personality since her childhood whom I never saw getting stumbled in her ways. She was my brother-in-law's daughter, so I got to see her thriving through every barrier of learning, as she was always a natural learner," Chhayanaut President Sanjida Khatun lauded Mita Haque, sharing some of her fond memories regarding music with the talented artist.
Also read: Eminent Rabindra Sangeet singer Mita Haque passes away
"As an active cultural organizer throughout her life, Mita was naturally possessed with personality and individualism. She was flamboyant, she was a natural performer and organizer, and we have always been inspired through her activities," Liberation War Museum trustee Mofidul Hoque spoke highly on her skills and activities as an organizer and one of the lifelong companions of Chhayanaut.
Eminent thespian and former Minister of Cultural Affairs Asaduzzaman Noor reminisced the Rabindra Sangeet maestro, saying: "Mita was already a family friend, and our bonding got even stronger after her marriage with Khaled Khan who was a pioneer thespian. She was a thriving force behind establishing an enriched cultural practice in Bangladesh, and her contribution will forever be remembered through her admirers, colleagues and us."
The event also showcased some of the notable performances of the late Rabindra Sangeet maestro, alongside poetry recitals and song presentations of her cultural colleagues.
Artists including Mita Haque's daughter Farhin Khan Jayeeta, alongside artists Sushmita Ahmed Borna, Abhaya Dutta, Iffat Ara Dewan, Bulbul Islam, Sharmeen Sathee Islam, ATM Jahangir, Tania Mannan, Khairul Anam Shakil, Elora Ahmed Shukla, Suman Chowdhury, and Laisa Ahmed Lisa performed several songs from the genres of Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet and others.
Born into a musical family on September 6, 1962, the noted artiste received her musical training from maestros including her paternal uncle and late musicologist Waheedul Haq, current Chhayanaut president Sanjida Khatun and musician Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khan, to name a few.
She has been a regular performer in the Bangladesh TV and radio since 1977 and was one of the top-ranked performers of both National Radio and Television
Besides her esteemed singing career, Mita Haque was the founder director and teacher of her music school Shurotirtha. She has served as the head of the Department of Rabindra Sangeet at Chhayanaut, Dhaka and also as the former general secretary and incumbent vice-president of the Rabindra Sangeet Shommelon Parishad.
For her remarkable contribution to the music industry, she was conferred with Ekushey Padak in 2020 and the Rabindra Puraskar from Bangla Academy in 2017.
Humayun Faridee remembered with love on his 69th birth anniversary
Saturday marked the 69th birth anniversary of the late Ekushey Padak and National Film Award-winning actor Humayun Faridee, one of the most iconic and beloved actors in Bangladesh.
Born at Narinda in Old Dhaka in 1952, Faridee left his mark in all the sectors of the entertainment industry of Bangladesh including theatre, television and film during his three-decades-long acting career.
Remembering his career and legacy, celebrities and creative visionaries shared their wishes to the short-lived maestro actor on social media on his 69th anniversary of birth.
Dhallywood's most popular actor Shakib Khan remembered Faridee through an elaborated note on the actor from his production house SK Film's Facebook page, saying, "Humayun Faridee Bhai was one of the most talented and acclaimed actors of the country. He used to portray the middle-class social life of us, the Bengali people, and he made us happy through his performances. Be it drama or movies - whenever he appeared on screen, viewers have always been awestruck. He never disappointed through his acting which was so lively that it always felt like the stories and people around him came alive through his own performance."
Narrating the struggle of the journeyman, the post said, "After conquering the drama and theatre arena, Faridee Bhai came into the film industry. Little by little through his presence and finest quality acting, the definition of a villain in Bengali cinema got drastic transformation. In his versatile career, Faridee Bhai has acted in about 250 films. Consistently for three decades, Faridee Bhai kept the entire Bengali nation stunned by his charismatic magical performances. Respect and love for this short-lived actor, on his birthday."
Popular director Mabrur Rashid Bannah wrote, "Faridee bhai once said that 'If people say something about you in your back, you know you're doing something noteworthy, which they are not capable of doing. Don't worry. You do your work with concentration and dedication. You will win'. May Allah bless you, happy birthday."Echoing the same quote, noted director Chayanika Chowdhury wrote, “I always remember these precious words. Whenever I get disheartened and find myself in a lot of trouble, I think about these words and I feel good. Happy Birthday, Humayun Faridee. Your emptiness is irreplaceable. I miss the sincerity of your time, love for work, respect for the directors. You are just Only One. I hope you are in peace. Respect."Remembering the legend, one of the finest and most popular actors in the country Chanchal Chowdhury wrote, "Today is Faridee bhai's birthday. Respect and love for this short-lived actor."Faridee began his acting career as a Jatra artist at an early age, which he later accelerated through working in theatre while studying at Jahangirnagar University. Through joining Dhaka Theatre, Humayun Faridee started proving himself as one of the finest actors of his time by his amazing performances in noted productions including Shakuntala, Keramat Mangal, Kittankhola, Muntasir Fantasy and more.He debuted on television in 1980 with the teleplay Nikhoj Sangbad, produced by Atiqul Haque Chaudhury for Bangladesh Television. He later starred in several teleplays and continued his successful journey as a versatile television actor with his tremendous performances in Sangshaptak, Kothao Keu Nei, Nil Nokshar Sondhane, Durbin Diye Dekhun, Bhangoner Shobdo Shuni, Bokulpur Koto Dur, Ekti Lal Shari etc. Kankata Ramjan in Abdullah Al Mamun’s drama series Sangshaptak was his most notable performances, earning him massive popularity across the country.
Faridee debuted in the film industry with Santrash (1990), marking his first mainstream film appearance as an actor. As Shakib Khan quoted, he changed the definition of villainous characters.
As a versatile actor, Humayun Faridee is remembered for his amazing acting in films including Vondo, Hulia, Dahan, Joyjatra, Shyamal Chhaya, Bachelor and others. For his tremendous performance, he was awarded the National Film Award for his acting in Matritwa in 2004 and later got posthumously awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2018.Humayun Faridee passed away after suffering from chronic lung disease on February 13, 2012.
Ekushey Padak winning actor SM Mohsin dies of Covid-19
SM Mohsin, one of the renowned theatre activists who was conferred with the Ekushey Padak in 2020, died of Covid-19 on Sunday morning at BIRDEM General Hospital in the capital. He was 73.
The actor’s son Rashek Mohsin told the media that his father breathed his last at 9:30 am.
He will be laid to eternal rest after Asr prayers at the Azimpur graveyard in the capital, according to Directors Guild president Salahuddin Lavlu.
Read Bangla Academy Chairman Shamsuzzaman Khan loses battle with Covid-19
Upon tested positive for Covid-19 on April 5, SM Mohsin was admitted to Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College Hospital. He was then shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Impulse Hospital after his condition worsened.
Then he was taken to BIRDEM General Hospital, where he breathed his last on Sunday morning.
With a career spanning four decades, SM Mohsin cemented his legacy as a prolific persona in the arts and culture sphere of the country.
Also read: Eminent film actor Wasim passes away
He was born in 1948 at Mirzapur, Tangail and completed his alma mater in Bangla and Journalism at Dhaka University. He later channeled his knowledge through becoming a faculty member of the Department of Drama and Dramatics at Jahangirnagar University.
In his esteemed administrative career, Mohsin also served as acting director-general of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and also the first project director of the National Theatre. He became an honorary fellow of the Bangla Academy in 2018.
As an actor, Mohsin acted in many notable theatre productions including Rokte Bheja Shapla, Munier Choudhury-directed play Kobor and Chithi, other plays namely Dipantar, Subachan Nirbasane, Chup Adalat Cholchhe and more. He was actively involved with the theatre troupe Drama Circle. He made his radio debut performing in a play named Padakshep.
Read Eminent Rabindra Sangeet singer Mita Haque passes away
Mohsin garnered mainstream popularity as a television actor with his performances in dramas including Mohor Ali, Sakin Sarisuri, Gorom Bhat Othoba Nichhok Bhuter Golpo, Nilambari and others.
He also acted in films namely Chitra Nodir Pare, Brihannala and others. He completed his last film shooting for the movie Antaratma on April 2, starring Shakib Khan and directed by Wazed Ali Sumon.
Besides winning the Ekushey Padak for his contributions in the cultural sector in 2020, SM Mohsin received Meril Prothom Alo Award for Best Television Actor (2007) and Shilpakala Padak (2017), to name a few.
Also read: Kabori: The doyen of Bangladeshi cinema departs
46% people don’t get social safety allowance: Dr Shamsul Alam
Mentioning that around 46 percent people are deprived of social safety allowance, senior secretary and member of the General Economics Division (GED) of the Bangladesh Planning Commission Dr Shamsul Alam on Sunday hoped that all the poor people would come under social safety programmes soon.
Language Movement paved path for Independence: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday said it is the 1952 Language Movement that paved the path for achieving the Independence of Bangladesh.
PM Hasina hands over Ekushey Padak
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Saturday handed over prestigious Ekushey Padak, the country’s second highest civilian award, to 21 eminent personalities in recognition of their contributions to various fields.
21 named for Ekushey Padak
Twenty-one eminent personalities will get the country’s second highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak, this year in recognition of their contributions to various fields.
Ekushey Padak winning poet Rabiul Hussain's 78th birth anniversary today
The 78th birth anniversary of Ekushey Padak winning late poet and architect Rabiul Hussain is being observed on Sunday.
Novelist Rabeya Khatun passes away
Eminent novelist Rabeya Khatun passed away in the city on Sunday at the age of 85.