Dilara Hashem passes away

Eminent writer Dilara Hashem passed away at her home in Washington, United States on Saturday. She was 86 years old.

Her novel -- Ghar Mon Janala, which tells the story of Najma, a woman struggling for life in a middle-class society, has evoked a huge response from the readers.

Born on August 21, 1936, in Jessore, East Bengal, now Bangladesh, Dilara graduated in 1956 from the English department at Dhaka University. Then, she joined the then Radio Pakistan.

She was a Bangla news presenter for a long time. Later, she joined as news presenter at Dhaka Radio and Television.

"Ghar Mon Janala" published in 1965 was made into a film in 1973. It was translated into Russian and Chinese languages.

Her other notable novels include Amlokir Mou, Ekada Ebong Ananta, Shangkha Korat, Sadar Andor, Kaktaliyo, Stabdhatar Kane Kane.

After the independence of the country, she joined temporarily as radio broadcaster for BBC Bangla and The Voice of America in 1972.

Later, she began working as a full-time employee at Voice of America in 1982. She retired in 2011.

Dilara Hashem was among the first Bangalee writers to receive Bangla Academy Award in 1976 for her outstanding contribution in literature.