Under the tree shades of Nuhash Polli
Humayun Ahmed, a man who needs no introduction to the people of Bangladesh, passed away in US on this day in 2012. A writer, filmmaker, novelist and teacher, the noted litterature has several identities. His favourite spot was Nuhash Polli, where he built a retreat with great love.
Before visiting Nuhash Polli, I went to his Dhanmondi residence, Dakkhin Hawa, several times. On the day, he was busy shooting an Eid play. During the break of the shoots at the lunch hour, he asked me “Have you ever been here earlier? Let's go to introduce you to its variety of trees.”
“I came to know about the trees of Nuhash Polli from your books,” I told the writer.
Pointing a tree, he said “This is Rashundi (garlic) plant. The smell of garlic and its leaves is same”.
Following him, I could really smell the fragrance of garlic after crushing a leaf on my palm.
Pointing to another tree, he said “You can smell the fragrance of spice from it. We cook chicken with it; it tastes delicious.” I again crushed a leaf, and smelled the fragrance of spice.
In between, pointing at a rooster, he said “This is a Turkey. US soldiers like it very much.”
He went on to introduce me to several other trees, including a tree whose leaves were sweet, and one he brought from Madras, India that was useful for diabetic patient.
Asked why he selected that place to build Nuhash Polli, Humayun sir said that he chose it because he was looking for a big unbroken stretch of land at once, and this was the ideal choice.
He also introduced me to tea, date and tamarind trees. After the break of launch, he was again busy with shooting.
During the departure at night, he asked me to visit Nuhash Polli once again.
Nuhash Polli was Humayun Ahmed's niche, a place he felt most comfortable at. It is where he is laid to rest, as per his wish. It's where his presence still lingers, as it does in the hearts of those of us who knew him closely.
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