Paeans to a wordsmith

Syed Shamsul Haque, fondly called Syed Haque, is one of the few litterateurs who tremendously enriched Bangla literature in the post-Rabindranath era. He has left his marks in every branch of literature -- be it poetry, novel, plays, essays or translation. The celebrated writer turned 80 on December 27. 

Shamsul Haque, fondly called Syed Haque, is one of the few litterateurs who tremendously enriched Bangla literature in the post-Rabindranath era. He has left his marks in every branch of literature -- be it poetry, novel, plays, essays or translation. The celebrated writer turned 80 on December 27. 

Marking the day, Syed Haque Jayanti Udjapon Parishad--a group of cultural personalities--arranged a celebration programme at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Sunday evening. 

The event began with a welcome speech by Akhtaruzzaman, general secretary of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation. Natyajan Ataur Rahman welcomed Syed Haque and his wife, noted writer Anowara Syed Haque, on stage. He also presided over the programme. 

Noted thespian Ramendu Majumdar gave a speech citing Syed Haque as a mentor, colleague and inspiration. He urged the writer to write at least one play every year. 

Another speaker, eminent actor Aly Zaker walked down memory lane to reminisce on the good days when he played lead roles in Syed Haque's plays. 

Seasoned thespian Shimul Yousuff sang a song for the playwright. Nasiruddin Yousuff also talked about the writer. Renowned thespian Ferdousi Majumdar came up on the stage to pay tribute to the writer. She recalled the good old days. 

Members of different cultural organisations and theatre troupe wished Syed Haque on his birthday. 

Hasan Arif recited from Syed Haq's poem, while noted Tagore artiste Aditi Mohsin presented two songs--“Jogoter Anandojogge Amar Nimontron” and “Sarthok Jonmo Amar”.

Syed Shamsul Haq was born in Kurigram in 1935. After finishing secondary education in Kurigram, he fled to Bombay (Mumbai) in 1951 where he worked as an assistant at a production company. The next year, he returned to Bangladesh and enrolled at Jagannath College (now Jagannath University) to study humanities. Later, he enrolled himself in Dhaka University to study English Literature, but dropped out without earning his degree. His first novel “Deyaler Desh” was published shortly after, and since then, he has not stopped writing poetry, fictions, plays, novels, essays and even songs.   

In recognition to his contributions to Bangla literature, Syed Haque was honoured with the Bangla Academy Award (1966), Ekushey Padak (1984), Independence Day Award (2000) and many more prestigious accolades.