The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Today is the 73 rd birth anniversary of country's legendary filmmaker, novelist and talented writer Jahir Raihan.

He was born on August 5, 1935 in the village Majupur of Feni as Mohammad Zahirullah. Zahir Raihan disappeared on December 30 in 1971 as he left home to get his elder brother Shaidullah Kaiser, famous writer, but never returned.

He is perhaps most well-known for his documentary 'Stop Genocide' made during the Bangladesh Liberation War. After the Partition of Bengal in 1947, he, along with his parents, returned to his village from Kolkata. He obtained Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Bangla from Dhaka University. He had been married twice, to Sumita Devi in 1961 and Shuchanda in 1968, both of whom were film actresses.

Zahir Raihan received his postgraduate degree in Bengali Literature. Along with literature works Raihan started working as a journalist when he joined 'Juger Alo' in 1950. Later he also worked in newspapers namely 'Khapchhara,' 'Jantrik,' 'Cinema.' He also worked as the editor of 'Probaho' in 1956. His first collection of short stories bannered 'Suryagrahan' was published in 1955. He worked as an assistant in the film 'Jago Huya Sabera' in 1957. This was his first footprint in film. He was also assisted Salahuddin in the film 'Je Nodi Morupothay.' The famous filmmaker Ehtesham also took him for his movie 'A Desh Tomar Amar' where he wrote the title song. In 1960 he arrived as a director in his film 'Kokhono Asheni.' He completed his first cinemascope movie 'Bahana' in 1965.

In 1952, he was an active worker of the Language Movement and was present at the historical meeting of Amtala on February 21, 1952. The effect of language movement was so high on him that he made his legendary film 'Jibon Theke Neya' based on it. He also took part in the 'Gano Obhyuthyan' in 1969. In 1971 he joined in the Liberation War of Bangladesh and created documentary films on this great event.

During the war of liberation Raihan went to Kolkata where his film 'Jibon Theke Neya' were shown. His film was highly acclaimed by Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, Tapan Sinha and Ritwik Ghatak. Though he had his financial problem going on that time, he gave all his money to the Freedom Fighters trust that he got from the show.

Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) will arrange a special program today to commemorate 73rd birth anniversary of Zahir Raihan in support with Ananda Aalo, an entertainment magazine.

The program will take place at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Documentary film-show including the most acclaimed 'Stop Genocide' and discussion on the genius's life and works will feature the program.

This year Zahir Raihan's birth anniversary is going to be observed officially. Jamil Osman, Secretary to the Information Ministry will grace the occasion as the chief guest, while Sayed Shamsul Haque, eminent poet and writer and Shahenshah Begum, US expatriate sister of Zahir Raihan, will attend the program as special guests.

The program will start at 11:00am. A N M Badrul Amin, Managing Director of BFDC will preside over the discussion session.

Afzal Chowdhury and Chinmoy Mutshuddi will take part in the discussion with Rezanur Rahman, the editor of Ananda Aalo and President of Bangladesh Cine Journalists Association (BACHSAS) to deliver a greeting speech on the special occasion.

Eminent media and cine personalities, critics, high government officials, members of the film societies and organisations are expected to attend the program. Along with 'Stop Genocide' a chunk of Zahir's last and incomplete documentary titled, 'Let There Be Light' and a promotional of an under-construction documentary on his life are to be shown. The last documentary is being made by Shahenshah Begum.