Humayun
Azad Prattay Parishad formed
Jamil Mahmud

(From
left) Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, Justice Muhammad
Habibur Rahman, Professor
Anisuzzaman and Sultana Azim at the discussion
To uphold and highlight the works and philosophies of writer-poet-
philologist Professor Humayun Azad, an organisation
named 'Humayun Azad Prattay Parishad' officially announced
its formation on
April 5.
On the occasion, the organisation arranged a programme at the
Sufia Kamal Auditorium, National Museum. The programme included
a discussion on Humayun Azad's significance in contemporary aspects
titled Humayun Azad Keno Jaruri, recitation, music and documentary
screening.
Shaikat Habib, a member of the organisation gave the welcome
speech while Mukti Prasad Moitri, another member, read out the
proclamation. The proclamation suggested that the organisation
would work in the socio-cultural sector to realise Humayun Azad's
visions.
"Humayun Azad Prattay Parishad will arrange seminars, conferences,
discussions and debates on arts, culture, philosophy and other
aspects," according to the first issue of the organisation's
journal titled Pratiswar.
Justice
Muhammad Habibur Rahman was the chief guest at the programme.
He said, "On
several issues Humayun Azad never made compromises."
Eminent
educationists Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui and Professor
Anisuzzaman
were the special guests. In his speech Professor
Zillur Rahman Siddiqui said, "As a philologist, litterateur
or poet Humayun Azad was an inspiration to the young."
Professor
Anisuzzaman said, "Humayun Azad always expressed
his views against fundamentalism and tried to educate people
on its evils through his writings."
Among others, Professor A.A.M.S Arefin Siddique and Professor
Syed Manzoorul Islam reminisced on Humayun Azad at the programme.
Convener of Humayun Azad Prattay Parishad, Sultana Azim presided
over the programme.
At the programme members of the organisation recited poems and
read out excerpts from Humayun Azad's works. Alok Sen, Mukti
Prasad Moitri and Ripon Chowdhury rendered songs. A documentary
titled Bahumatrik Jyotirmoy -- on Humayun Azad's life and works
-- was also screened.
Humayun Azad -- who was found dead on August 11, 2004 at the
age of 56 at his apartment in Munich, Germany -- wrote over sixty
novels, poems, essays and books on linguistics. His notable works
include Ami Benchey Chhilam Onyader Shomoy (poetry), Chappanno
Hajar Borgomile and Pak Sar Zameen Saad Baad (both fictions).
Lal Neel Dipabali, written by him, is considered one of the best
works in children's literature in the country.