Monsoon memories: a tribute to Qazi da & Humayun

As Shrabon clouds shroud the sky and stir a sense of nostalgia among us, today marks the arrival and departure of two literary giants: the birthday of Qazi Anwar Husain and the death anniversary of Humayun Ahmed.

Humayun, the creator of ‘Baker bhai’, ‘Himu’, ‘Mishir Ali’ and ‘Rupa’, still remains the most beloved literary figure. On the other hand, Qazi Anwar Husain, affectionately known as “Qazi da”, holds a special place in readers’ hearts for his unparalleled success in detective, mystery and thriller genres.

The monsoon, or Shrabon, evokes nostalgic childhood, adolescence and youth for many of us. The 1980s witnessed the rise of the two accomplished writers, whose captivating works opened new emotional worlds for readers. These writers provided solace and excitement through their books, making the monsoon a shared backdrop for their enduring legacies.

In the 1980s, when black-and-white television dominated and Bangladesh Television (BTV) was the sole broadcaster, reading was a popular pastime for teenagers and young adults. Book lovers immersed themselves in the ‘Kishore Thriller series’, ‘Masud Rana’ and translated works by Qazi da and his Seba Prokashoni. This generation later discovered the novels of Humayun Ahmed.

Humayun Ahmed and Qazi da were central figures in this book-loving culture. Those days are long gone. Yet, memories linger. The scent of new books brings back happy times.

Back then in the 1980s, people often discussed books and writers. Favourite books were hidden from prying parents. We the kids felt clever when we read new books during school breaks.

Giving a new novel as a gift, sharing library books and exchanging stories were joyful experiences for us. Those were wonderful days. Compared to today, our childhoods and teenage years were simpler and more focused on reading.

Regrettably, the rise of artificial intelligence is discouraging young people from reading books. Although this trend began in the 21st century, several generations before and after embraced Bengali books as new readers thanks to the undeniable influence of Qazi Anwar Husain and Humayun Ahmed.

Both authors cultivated a new generation of readers at a time when Kolkata-centric literature dominated the Bangladeshi literary scene.

It is important to note that Qazi Anwar Husain, a student of Bangal literature at University of Dhaka, is not considered a mainstream Bengali writer. There were and are debates about the quality of Seba Prokashoni books as critics have questioned Qazi da’s literary merit. However, considering the tastes and preferences of readers, especially those interested in mystery and thrillers, Qazi da’s work deserves recognition. He skilfully and single-handedly catered to the desires of his audience.

He introduced modern spy thrillers to Bengali literature with the Masud Rana series. A contemporary writer could easily create a believable character like Masud Rana today. However, in 1966, when Qazi da began, such concepts were uncommon. Creating a believable character like Masud Rana was innovative, if not risky. Consequently, he invested considerable effort in developing the story, style, language and marketing. He made this path himself.

Seba Prokashoni’s dedicated efforts made mystery, thriller and translated literature affordable and accessible to young readers.

Qazi Anwar Husain wanted to introduce teenagers to the world of mystery and thrillers. Masud Rana, the first Bengali spy thriller, attracted new readers while also drawing criticism.

Beyond being a writer, Anwar was a young entrepreneur. He took a risk by developing a new readership. He was successful as Seba books, printed in cheap newsprint and wrapped in paperback covers, had delighted its readers for a long time.

Many adults today find solace in the world of Qazi da’s mysteries, reliving their carefree teenage years. And here is the enduring impact of Qazi Anwar Husain.

This write-up began with the monsoon, a symbol of eternal separation. We bid farewell to Humayun Ahmed on such a rainy day. Yet, his legacy continues. The immense love for this literary magician is a testament to his enduring influence. As a writer, it is a tremendous achievement, and there are reasons for that. 

The main reason is that Humayun portrayed the ordinary lives of the middle class, avoiding complex socio-economic-political analyses in favour of simple and relatable narratives. His writings captured the essence of people we know, focusing on their joys and sorrows rather than biographical details.

Secondly, he was a master storyteller. Once engrossed in his books, readers found it impossible to put them down.

His clear, accessible style employed everyday language, devoid of literary pretensions. This unique approach captivated readers and offered fresh perspectives on the Bengali Muslim middle class by exploring their aspirations, failures and everyday triumphs.

Furthermore, Humayun brought the middle class to life through vibrant characters and witty dialogue. His humour was infectious, making his stories both engaging and comforting.

Bengali readers found themselves reflected in Humayun’s characters, recognising their own lives within the pages. These characters were full of life, experiencing the spectrum of human emotions — from the euphoria of a rainy day to the quiet satisfaction of a simple meal of mashed potato (alu bhorta), lentils (dal) and hot rice.

Last but not least, let life be impressed by what is available without being consumed by the struggle for what is unachieved — Humayun’s work embodied this understanding.

As his characters say, “There is no joy like being alive” (Aguner Parashmoni, page 97), he grasped the desires of his readers, shaping them into simple, emotionally resonant narratives. This approach cemented his place as a beloved figure in middle-class life.

This is the strength of the writer, and this is his success.

In the 1980s, Humayun Ahmed was akin to the Pied Piper of Hamelin, mesmerising people of all ages. Few Bengalis could resist the allure of his words and rhythms.

His plays, movies and songs gained immense popularity. BTV, the sole television channel at that time, eagerly broadcast his plays. That era, marked by Humayun’s dominance, is fondly remembered as the golden age of television drama. Through his works, he also revitalised rural Bengali music.

Humayun Ahmed cultivated a vibrant literary community spanning generations. His work, alongside Qazi Anwar Husain’s, influenced this literary orbit.

Today, we pay a humble tribute to Qazi da on his birthday. We also remember Humayun Ahmed, whose passing on this day left a profound void. Their spirits live on in the hearts of the readers, cherished with love and respect.

Dr Rownak Jahan is an associate professor at Government Tolaram College, Narayanganj. [email protected].

The piece is translated from Bangal to English by Sohel Mahamud