Humayun still shines brighter

He always knew how to tell a story.

Let it be fiction or non-fiction, his unorthodox approach in introducing a character, starting or finishing a narrative, always cast a spell on readers' imaginations and beckoned them to partake on a literary journey.

For over two decades, Humayun Ahmed's works have been enchanting readers of all ages.

Every year, a new generation of readers gets introduced to his works, while his fans fall in love with the eternal characters like “Misir Ali”, “Himu” and “Shuvra” all over again.

This Ekushey book fair was no different as flocks of young bookworms were seen thronging the stalls looking for his books or books written on the life of the versatile writer.

Even after four and a half years of passing, Humayun Ahmed still has a powerful presence at the book fair.

Saif, Rezwan and Ehsanul rushed to the fair in the afternoon after completing their classes. The students of Notre Dame College were searching for “Krishnapakkha” and “Misir Ali Somogro”.

Tahsin Binta Anis, a master's student of economics, was buying a new book “Humayun Ahmeder Humour” by Humayun's younger brother cartoonist Ahsan Habib.

The book, published by Abosor Prokashoni, contains various jokes written by Humayun.

“I still buy his books to get away from all the troubles of life and to laugh and enjoy reading,” said the Dhaka University student.

Abosor also published various collections of Humayun Ahmed's novels like “Sera Sat (seven best) Misir Ali”, “Sera Sat Premer Upanyas”, “Sera Sat Kishor Upanyas”, “Sera Sat Himu”, and “Sera Sat Science Fictions”.

Mohsen Hasan, a staff of Ananya Prokashani, was showing “Nirbachito Bhut” (Selected Ghosts) by Humayun Ahmed to a young booklover. “The book is selling well among the young readers,” he said.

Golam Robbani, a businessman from Thakurgaon, bought a book titled “Adh Dozon Vai Bon” (half dozen siblings). “The book is written by Humayun Ahmed's younger sister Momtaz Shahid. I bought it as I wanted to know more about my favourite writer's personal life,” he said.

On the fifth day of the fair, 27 new books arrived and seven were launched.

Among the new arrivals, “Bhuter Nam Ramakanta” by Imdadul Haq Milon from Ananya; “Abaro Tuntuni o Abaro Chotochachu”, by Muhammad Zafar Iqbal from Pearl and “Hashir Golposamagra” by Anisul Hoque from Annesha Prokashon, are notable.

A discussion was held at the Bangla Academy marking 100th birth anniversary of poet Ahsan Habib. Poet Tushar Das presented the keynote while Prof Julfikar Matin presided over the programme.

“A century has passed but literary works of Ahsan Habib still remains relevant,” said Tushar.