
Today is the 89th anniversary of birth of poet-playwright and fiction writer Syed Shamsul Haq.
Born in Kurigram on December 27, 1935, Syed Shamsul Haq started writing at an early age.
He enrolled at Dhaka University’s English department but did not complete the degree.
His first story titled Udayasta was published in Fazle Lohani-edited literary magazine ‘Agatya’ in 1951.
He penned several collections of poems such as ‘Ekada Ek Rajye’, ‘Biratihin Utsab’, ‘Baishakhe Rachita Pangktimala’, ‘Nabhimule Bhasmadhar’, ‘Pratidhwanigan’, ‘Ami Janmagrahan Karini’, ‘Paraner Gahin Bhitar’ and ‘Apar Purush’.
He also earned acclaim for writing fictions, including ‘Jaleshwarir Galpagulo’, ‘Prachin Bangsher Nihswa Santan’, ‘Nishiddha Loban’, ‘Khelaram Khele Ja’, ‘Stabdhatar Anubad’, ‘Raktagolap’, ‘Tumi Sei Tarbari’, ‘Anander Mrityu’ and ‘Neel Dangshan’.
He created a new trend in contemporary Bangla drama and penned play in verse such as ‘Payer Awaj Paoa Jay’, ‘Nuruldiner Sara Jiban’, ‘Ekhane Ekhan’, ‘Irsha’, ‘Narigan’, and ‘Banglar Mati Banglar Jal’.
For his contribution to Bangla literature, he received the Bangla Academy Award, Ekushey Padak and Independence Award.
Syed Shamsul Haq passed away on September 27, 2016.