Paean for a thespian
Members of the cultural fraternity gathered at the Bangla Academy yesterday, to pay tribute to a beloved colleague and convey respects to his departed soul.
Speakers at a memorial for eminent playwright and theatre personality Prof Momtazuddin Ahmed said he was one of the most successful theatre activists in the field of satire in Bangladesh.
They also recalled his contribution to the Language Movement of 1952, struggle for freedom during Pakistan era and the movement against autocratic rule of HM Ershad.
Bangla Academy organised the event at its Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad auditorium in the capital, in association with Sammilita Sangskritik Jote (SSJ) to honour Momtazuddin, who passed away earlier this month.
SSJ president and cultural personality Golam Kuddus said the country is now enjoying fruitful result of the progressive movement initiated by many people throughout history, and Momtazuddin was one of them.
He also announced to declare an annual award in his name, to honour such personalities.
Golam Kuddus recalled that Motazuddin received the Bangla Academy Award, Ekushey Padak, and Shishu Academy Award, while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy honoured him as one of the outstanding playwrights of the country.
Speaking at the event, Dr Mesbah Kamal, a professor of history at Dhaka University, urged Bangla Academy authorities to publish an omnibus of all his works, so that the young generation can know him better through his writing, and carry forward his legacy.
“He wrote satire protesting various irregularities of society, and played an active role as a successful director also. I worked in several dramas under his supervision,” said an emotional Afroza Banu, a prominent actress.
Among others, Prof Dr Syed Anwar of Dhaka University, eminent cultural personalities Ramendu Majumdar and Ferdausi Majumdar, journalist Abed Khan, SSJ vice president Jhuna Chowdhury, Nazrul Sangeet singer Ferdous Ara and theatre activists attended the event.
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