Book industry still gloomy

Stakeholders in the country’s publication industry believe that the vacuum created by popular writer Humayun Ahmed’s death cannot be easily filled.

They said Humayun created many new readers and took the sector a long way in the last three decades.

He died of cancer at a hospital in the United States on July 19 last year.

Nasir Uddin Ahmed Selim of Kakoli Prokashoni said Humayun's death dealt a big blow to the publication industry.

He told bdnews24.com: “Those who came to buy his books also bought the works of others. He created many new readers. The publication industry will take a long time to cover the loss his death has caused.”

Ahmed Mahmudul Haq of Mawla Brothers said: “He dominated the literary field for 30 years. It will take another Humayun to replace him.”

Humayun’s books were invariable bestsellers at Ekushey book fairs for many years. His books, written in New York while undergoing treatment, were published in the last fair.

Mahmudul feels Humayun's absence would hugely impact the next Ekushey fair.

Zakir Hossain of Adorn Publications, however, would not endorse this view fully. Only publishers dependent on Humayun stand affected by his death, he said.

Citing statistics, he said: “Books worth Tk 300 million to 350 million are sold in every (Ekushey) fair. Humayun’s books account for Tk 30 million of the total sales.”

“His publishers are a bit worried now. They fear Humayun’s books will fetch them business for a maximum another years. I have been hurt to hear this.”

Born in 1948, Humayun drew the attention of critics even as he began writing while still a university student. His first novel was ‘Nondito Noroke’.

Among his best novels are ‘Shonkhonil Karagar’, ‘Rajani’, ‘Epitaph’, ‘Pakhi Amar Ekla Pakhi’, ‘Fera’, ‘Nishad, Daruchini Dip’, ‘Nirbason’, ‘Omanush’, ‘Rupali Dip’, ‘Shuvro’, ‘Dure Kothao’, ‘Mandrasaptak’, ‘Badsha Namdar’, ‘Sajghar’, ‘Basor’ and ‘Nripati’.

His last published novel ‘Dewal’ is based on the post-Liberation War political milieu.

He wrote ‘Jotsna O Jononir Golpo’, ‘1971’ and ‘Surjer Din’ based on the Liberation War.

Two characters – Misir Ali and Himu – of Humayun’s novels enjoy a huge fan following among youngsters. He also wrote science fictions like ‘Ananta Nakkhatra Bithi’ and ‘Irina’.

Critics say Humayun was a past master in dealing with middle-class romanticism.

Poet Shamsur Rahman said of him: “Many of his best books are very popular. Humayun Ahmed has given us the respite from cheap fourth-class writers.”

Following his success as a novelist, Humayun started writing plays and later quit the Dhaka University job as a Professor in the chemistry department to devote himself full time to writing.

He wrote many of the popular TV serials including ‘Eisob Dinratri’, ‘Bohubrihi’, ‘Oyomoy’, ‘Kothao Keu Nei’ and ‘Nokkhotrer Rat’.

He also made several films such as ‘Aguner Parashmoni’, ‘Shrabonmegher Din’, ‘Dui Duari’, ‘Chandrakatha’ and ‘Shyamal Chhaya’, which was a box-office hit.

‘Aguner Poroshmoni’ won the National Film Award as the best film.