Swadhinata Forum organises a meeting in commemoration of the late writer, Humayun Ahmed, at the National Press Club in the capital on Wednesday. — New Age photo

Writers, cultural activists and politicians urged the government on Wednesday to take initiative to turn Nuhash Palli into national cultural and literary centre to fulfil the dream of the late writer, Humayun Ahmed.
They also expressed deep shock at the death of the celebrated writer and said Humayun’s talent significantly enriched the Bangla literature, which would be enriched further if he had survived.
Humayun was never involved in politics and he wrote for common people, said participants in a commemoration discussion organised by Swadhinata Forum at the National Press Club of the capital.
Addressing the programme, Bangladesh Nationalist Party standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain said, ‘Humayun Ahmed’s death has caused an irreparable loss to the nation.’
Humayun influenced millions for decades through more than 300 books, dozens of plays and films, he said.
Mosharraf said Humayun’s death was not just a loss to literature, but also to the entire nation.
He also said, ‘Though Humayun was far away from politics, after his death the ruling Awami League and leaders of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote tried to politicise the renowned writer, which was pathetic.’
Dhaka University former vice-chancellor Emajuddin Ahamed said Humayun Ahmed, an illustrious litterateur and filmmaker, has been a shining light in Bangladeshi literature for over decades.
He gave the nation confidence in creativity and his impact on Bangla literature would last forever, said Professor Emajuddin.
He also requested people not to discuss Humayun’s personal life rather discuss his contribution to the country’s literary world.
Filmmaker Chashi Nazrul Islam, poet Al Mujahidi, Sadhinota Forum president Abu Naser Mohammad Rahamatullah, Nagarik Sangsad president Khaleda Yasmin and Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha general secretary Monir Hasan also spoke at the programme.
Later, they prayed for eternal peace of his departed soul and conveyed sympathy to the bereaved family.
Humayun Ahmed, who was a chemistry teacher at Dhaka University before getting fully involved in writing, died from infection in the lung following two surgeries for colon cancer on July 19, 2012.
The legendary litterateur died at a hospital in New York at Manhattan’s Bellevue Hospital at the age of 64.
Humayun loved nature and there are around 250 rare species of trees, mostly planted by the writer-filmmaker, at Nuhash Palli.