''Happy birthday, brother!''

Today is noted litterateur late Humayun Ahmed's birthday. Ahead of the big day, his youngest brother Ahsan Habib, a celebrated cartoonist of the country, looks back nostalgically at his brother.

“I have many fond memories of my eldest brother and these will always remain with me,” Habib told The Daily Star, going on to say, “On my brother's birthday, we used to visit his home and had great fun. It was also a big day for his publishers who enthusiastically celebrated along with him.“

“His last birthday celebration stays with me. Many people came to wish him with bouquets at his Dhanmondi residence. That day, he asked me to bring some fresh flowers. Later, I left our Pallabi residence for Dhanmondi with the flowers.“

“He did not celebrate the day himself but was elated when his well wishers came to wish him and he would greet them warmly.“

“When his popularity as a writer was at its peak, his publishers too celebrated his birthday in a special way. On his 50th birthday, a book named 'Humayun 50' was published. After that, 'Humayun 60' was published on his 60th birthday.“

 “I don't have any memories of birthday celebrations during his childhood as it was not customary to celebrate the day.“

 “We siblings always had a good relationship. Even today, we feel proud to see his  unique and large readership. Besides, he was very popular as a playwright and film director and I still feel happy remembering this.“

 “He usually didn't comment on my writings. But he felt very happy when noted writer Samresh Majumder complimented me on one of my writings. He also gave me a small token of money when I won an award as a cartoonist.“

 “Although he is no more, his literary creations--'Misir Ali', 'Baker Bhai' and 'Himu'--live on for us. I feel very sad that his birthday will be celebrated without him.“

 Finally, I want to say “Big brother I'm also a great fan of yours. Wish you a very happy birthday wherever you are.“