Today is the 18th anniversary of the death of cultural activist, journalist, singer and Tagore researcher Waheedul Haque.
Born on March 16, 1933 in Keraniganj, Dhaka, Waheedul Haque enriched the cultural arena of the country through his manifold contributions. He founded cultural organisations, including Chhayanaut, Kanthashilan, Nalanda, Anandadhwani, Phulki, Bratachari Samity and Basanto Utsab Udjapan Parishad.
He also co-founded Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad.
Waheedul Haque began his career as a journalist at the now-defunct The Daily Morning News. Besides, he worked with a number of dailies and periodicals, including The People, The Weekly Web, The Daily New Nation and The Daily Star.
His lifelong activism involved social, political and cultural causes.
In 1961, on the occasion of the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore, Waheedul mobilised public support against the anti-Tagore hate campaigns of Ayub regime and founded Chhayanaut with like-minded people.
He also founded the Swadhin Bangla Shilpi Sangstha during the War of Independence.
For his contributions, he was posthumously honoured with Ekushey Padak in 2008 and Independence Award in 2010.
Waheedul Haque passed away on January 27, 2007.
