An extended and revised version of this post is live on Express Bloggers: Life Ends, Legend Doesn’t
Bangladesh is right now covered by a canvas of sadness. We knew it was coming. But it’s one of those facts that you know is obvious but just can’t agree to accept.
Humayun Ahmed was the most popular writer of the past decades. He wrote many stories, short stories and novels that touched our minds. From a running train in a moonlit night to a stormy morning in a village playground, he let his writings go beyond imagination. He wrote from the reality that almost all of us were able to relate to. He was a fine artist who was able to combine fact with fiction in an entertaining and often touching way.
He made characters. Characters that we — Bengalis — know like the world knows superheros. He wasn’t limited to any single genre. He wrote horror, he wrote thriller, he wrote mystery, he wrote romance, he combined many genres in one single story. He had that ability. He had the amazing gift to get into the readers’ mind and force them to keep reading until the story is finished.
He was not only a writer, but also a film director. Yes, many writers can write so that readers can draw the image on their mind. But not everyone can grab that image from the readers’ mind and come up with an exact screen version of that. Apparently, Humayun Ahmed knew how to do it. He had this feeling going on throughout the movie he directed. An urge to know what’s next without any special effect or mind-blowing place.
I don’t know what more to say about him. I’d be honest that I have not read a lot written by him. Every year on Ekushey Book Fair held on February, his books become the most anticipated among readers. You can’t stand for a single second in front of the pavilion of the publication that publishes his stories. But I’m not a loyal reader and I haven’t read a lot of books. But I read some and I know he was a great writer.
News sources have just confirmed that the author, after the doctors’ attempts and prayers of millions, has finally been taken away from us. It’s unbelievable that there will be no more books from him. The Ekushey Book Fair will be lonely and cheerless next year.
For Bangladesh, it’s like the moment when pop singer Michael Jackson died.
Rest in Peace, sir.
AIS Journal 
My mom is his hardcore fan so I feel really sorry for her. I don’t really read Bangla books but I have read a couple or so of his books. I don’t remember what I thought of them exactly, but he’s such a huge personality that it doesn’t really matter – it feels surreal to me as well.
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To me, too.
In case you’re interested in this one, a little revised: http://www.expressbloggers.net/2012/07/20/life-ends-legend-doesnt/
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Yeah got the link on Twitter. Did you write this one as well?
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Yeah, who else would? This post was more like a quick reaction on my personal blog while the other one is more formal or revised/edited for a wider audience.
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Yeah I was thinking why some of the paragraphs were the same :P.
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Or my name on the left as the post writer should have caught your attention. 😛
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I was looking for a name! I didn’t find it. I think it was cuz I was reading on my cell.
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Oh, that could be!
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What a loss.
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Great post, Sajib!
I’ve read almost all of his books, and I still have one on my shelf that I didn’t read yet. He was an incredible writer, amazingly creative and original. One thing that always, always fascinated me was how his characters were so unique and eccentric, yet they were so easy to relate to!
His family is truly phenomenal; three brothers-all best at what they do. The Bengali world will miss Himu; we’ll miss MIsir Ali and Shuvro. We’ll miss the characters, the books, and the natoks.
Rest in peace, Mr. Ahmed.
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Truly. As a mystery lover, I’ll miss Misir Ali more than any other characters. Glad that there are still Misir Ali books that I haven’t read yet.
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My most favorite character is definitely Himu… Unfortunately, I read all the books on Himu, and watched all the natoks. Doesn’t hurt to read them again though 😛
There’s a natok where Musharraf Karim plays Himu; it’s just so great!
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you post a favorite person.
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I’ve read almost all of his books…he knew how to express complicated issues of life in few similar words…A Legend…Nice tribute
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Thanks!
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Good article! We are linking to this particularly great article on our website.
Keep up the good writing.
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Yes! Finaqlly someone writes about ignitor series 2.
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Awesome blog! Is your theme custom made or
did yyou download it from somewhere? A design like yours with
a few simple adjustements would really make my blog juump
out. Please let me know where you got your design.
Kudos
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