Bangladeshi writer and voice of conscience of the nation, Syed Shamsul Haq dies
Q. Which Bangladeshi writer passed away on 27th Sept 2016 and was known as a vocal opposer of religious fundamentalism?- Published on 03 Oct 16a. Syed Shamsul Ali
b. Syed Shamsud Haq
c. Syed Shamsul Haq
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Syed Shamsul Haq
One of Bangladesh’s best known writers, Syed Shamsul Haq has passed away in Dhaka, the capital city of this nation on 27th sept 2016 at the age of 81
- He was known for his immense collection of novels, poems, plays and essays. He was also a critic of religious fundamentalism
- Notable works by him include Boishakhey Rochito Ponktimala, Ekoda Ek Rajjey, Birotihin Utsab, Protidhwonigon and Opor Purush and patriotic songs of immense beauty which inspired the 1971 Liberation War fighters.
- He was also awarded with various awards including Bangla Academy Literary Award (1966), Ekushey Padak (1984) and Swadhinata Padak (2000), the highest civilian award of Bangladesh.
- The poet is survived by his wide, son and daughter
- He died of lung cancer
- PM Sheikh Hasina and President Abdul Hamid condoled his death
- The PM termed the poet the conscience of the nation. She said the country had lost a writer who devoted to the truth. “He viewed Bangali, Bangladesh and Bangabandhu as inseparable entities and through his powerful writings he showed the nation the dream of a secular country,” she said.
- Considered to be a pioneer of modern Bangla literature, Shamsul has written deeply emotive poems such as Ekoda Ek Rajjey (1961), Boishakhey Rochito Ponktimala (1969), Birotihin Utsab (1969, Protidhwonigon (1976) and Opor Purush (1978).
- Besides poems, he also wrote more than 50 novels including Stobdhotar Onubad ( 1987), Nishiddho Loban (1990), Khelaram Kheley Ja (1991) and Ayna Bibir Pala.
- His plays Payer Awaj Paqa Jay and Nuruldiner Sara Jibon set a standard for modern Bangla theatre.
- He also translated world classics like Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Tempest, Troilus and Cresida, and Ibsen’s Pyr Gynt.
