Procession for Humayun Ahmed

Noted educationists, cultural personalities, writers and human rights activists joined the procession. Photo: STAR

Sammilito Sangskritik Jote (SSJ), Mymensingh unit, brought out a procession in the district town today to mourn the death of noted writer Humayun Ahmed.
The procession which began from Mymensingh Press Club premises paraded the main thoroughfares of the town and ended at Mukul Niketon High school premises. The convener of SSJ, Amir Ahmed Chowdhury Ratan, led the procession.
Noted educationists, cultural personalities, writers and human rights activists joined the procession.
A discussion was held recalling the life and work of the illustrious writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed at Mukul Niketon High school auditorium. Amir Ahmed Chowdhury chaired the discussion, which was attended by hundreds of people from all walks of life.
The speakers included Advocate Abul Kashem, secretary of Awami Shilpi Goshthi; president of Shesh Sangskritik Sangstha, Advocate Motalab Lal; president of Bangladesh Mohila Parishad, Ferdous Ara Mahmuda Helen; and vice-chairman of Bhaluka Upazila Parisad, Monira Begum.
The speakers were of the view that Humayun Ahmed was a pioneer of modern Bengali literature and he is the only writer after Tagore and Nazrul who influenced hundreds of thousands of readers in the country.
The popularity of the writer was demonstrated in the manner in which people paid their tributes and expressed their love for Humayun. The writer established a place in the hearts of his fans due to his masterful storytelling.
His creative writings are priceless assets of Bengali literature that could also be used to make films and dramas, said the speakers.
The speakers urged a road in Dhaka be named after Humayun. They also urged the government and the affluent to step forward and set up a modern cancer hospital in the country for poor patients -- the late writer's long cherished dream.
Terming the death of Humayun a great loss for Bengali literature, the speakers also said that we would have to wait many years to fill the vacuum caused by the death of this icon.
Humayun Ahmed, 64, died while undergoing treatment for cancer at Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital in New York on July 19.