“Tareque Masud: Life and Dreams”

L-R: (From left) Shreela Ghosh, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Justice Habibur Rahman, Dr. Hamida Hossain, Catherine Masud and Sajjad Sharif at the book launch. Catherine with Tareque's mother. Photo: Jamil Mahmud

Featuring the life and works of the internationally known late filmmaker Tareque Masud, a book titled “Tareque Masud: Life and
Dreams” was launched recently. The event, attended by noted personalities, was held at the British Council Auditorium on June 16. Former Chief Justice Habibur Rahman unveiled the cover-jacket of the book along with other guests. Tareque Masud's widow and co-worker Catherine Masud welcomed the audience.
Noted theatre personality and filmmaker Nasiruddin Yousuff and human rights activist Dr. Hameeda Hossain were present as guests of honour. Sajjad Sharif, managing editor, Prothom Alo and Shreela Ghosh, director of Arts, Wider South Asia, British Council also made speeches at the ceremony.
Tareque Masud's mother also made an emotional speech at the end of the programme.
The book, published by Prothoma, is as much about the details of Tareque's life as it is about the causes he fought for and the artistic vision he brought to his work.
“As a filmmaker Tareque Masud was one of the important figures in the last two decades of our history,” said Sajjad Sharif.
The major part of the book articulates reminiscences by Tareque's friends and colleagues from a programme held at the same venue in August last year.
At that programme veteran film activist Syed Salahuddin Zaki spoke on
Tareque's contribution to the film society movement. Filmmakers and long-time colleagues Morshedul Islam and Shameem Akhter fondly remembered Tareque as a friend and a colleague. Academic researcher Professor Piash Karim reminisced on his university days with Tareque, while businessman Sharifur Rahman recalled his school days at Adamjee Cantonment College with Tareque.
Writer Alam Khorshed dwelt on his memories of Tareque and Catherine during their time together in New York. Actresses Sara Zaker and Rokeya Prachy spoke on their experiences of working with Tareque. Photographer Munira Morshed Munni spoke on the parallels of Tareque's death with the tragic death of Alamgir Kabir in 1990. Catherine's mother Alfreda Shapere and brother Alfred Shapere also shared their memories of first meeting Tareque.
“Reflection on life was a very important aspect in all of Masud's films,” said Nasiruddin Yousuff.
Justice Habibur Rahman said that the initiative is a timely step, while Hameeda Hossain saw the book as an important inclusion to our film history.
Catherine Masud stated that the book is one of a series of publications to be brought out as part of the work of the Tareque Masud Memorial Trust.
The book is priced at Taka 1,000 and will be available at major outlets.