Ekushey Padak winning writer Rashid Haider no more
Renowned writer Rashid Haider passed away at his residence in the capital's Fuller Road at 8:30 am today. He was 80 years old, and died of old-age complications. Rashid Haider was formerly the director of Bangla Academy and executive director of Nazrul Institute. He received the Bangla Academy Award in 1984, and the coveted Ekushey Padak in 2014 for his contributions with the pen, among several accolades.
Haider was born on July 15, 1941 in Pabna's Dohapara village, and graduated in Bangla from the University of Dhaka. It is during his time in DU that he started as a journalist in the magazine Chitrali.
Among his many acclaimed works is Sriti 71, Shahid Buddhijibi Koshagrontho and Asamabriksha. He was the author to more than 70 books in his illustrious career.
As a member of Nagorik Natya Sampradaya, Haider wrote the famous Toilo Shonkot, and acted in Nagorik's first play, Baki Itihash.
Abul Hayat, a legendary name in television and theatre, mourned the demise of Rashid Haider. "His (Rashid's) brother, Zia Haider, was the founding president of Nagorik Natya Sampradaya. I have some fond memories with him -- I was especially moved when he published a beautiful write-up about me on my 75th birthday," he told The Daily Star.
Thespian Ferdausi Majumdar said that Haider was a staunch admirer of theatre. "We can never forget him or his research and work on our Liberation War," she said.
"He was a very close senior to me," said theatre legend Mamunur Rashid. "We sat down for long conversations many times at Bangla Academy, it was a delight. He was an extremely talented and dedicated person." Rashid said that he especially loved the books on the selected works from 200 years of Bangla Natok, which was published from Bangla Academy under his supervision.
Television personality Tariq Anam Khan said that Rashid Haider inspired him. "His biggest achievement was the publication of the list of freedom fighters – that is a huge undertaking that he successfully accomplished," said the actor. "He called me 'tui', out of adoration. Out of all the writers that emerged after our independence, he was a standout."
The esteemed writer left behind his wife and two daughters -- both teachers of the University of Dhaka. He was laid to rest at the Azimpur Graveyard, after his Namaz-e-Janaza took place at the DU Central Mosque.
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