The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Dramatists, educationists, theatre personalities at a condolence meeting in the city remembered the memories, life and activities of the late actor, director and filmmaker Abdullah Al Mamun.

Speakers paid tribute to the late dramatist in their speeches and urged all to give him national respect.

The civic condolence meeting organised by Sammilita Sangskritik Jote was held at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy yesterday.

National Professor Kabir Chowdhury presided over the meeting, while noted dramatist Atiqul Haque Chowdhury, journalist Kamal Lohani, theatre personalities Ramendu Majumder, Nasir Uddin Yusuf, Aly Zaker, Ferdousi Majumder, Asaduzzaman Nur, M Hamid, Mamunur Rashid, Shahiduzzaman Selim, Mannan Hira, Keramat Mawla, Jamil Chowdhury, Director General of Shilpakala Academy Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam, among others, took part in the discussion at the meeting.

The programme was inaugurated by a Tagore song rendered by Tagore artiste Mita Haque. Recitation artiste Ahkam Ullah presented the life sketch of the late dramatist. The programme was moderated by General Secretary of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote.

Eminent litterateur Syed Shamsul Haque presented the condolence paper at the meeting.

Atiqul Haque Chowdhury in his speech said, "It will take more time to evaluate the works of the late dramatist Abdullah Al Mamun. He will survive in the hearts of all for long time. The country needs the man like Abdullah Al Mamun this time."

Ferdousi Majumder, working partners of Abdullah Al Mamun for the last 47 years, burst into tears and said, "I have lost my acting partner, my mentor. He was not only my friend but also a teacher to me. I have learnt many things from him. I think in future I cannot perform in drama."

Prof Kabir Chowdhury said the loss of Mamun could not be fulfilled in the long run. The nation lost her one of the best children.

The noted playwright, actor, director and filmmaker Abdullah Al Mamun died at the age of 66 at the BIRDEM Hospital in the city on August 21 after prolonged illness. He had been suffering from diabetes, kidney complaints and heart disease since long. He was admitted to Square Hospital before being moved to the BIRDEM Hospital with his condition getting worse. He was admitted to the Square Hospital on July 10 after suffering brain haemorrhage. He underwent a brain surgery on July 13.

His acclaimed play scripts include 'Ekhono Kritodash,' 'Tomrai,' 'Kokilara' and 'Meraj Fakirer Maa.' He also directed movies like 'Ekhoni Somoy,' 'Sareng Bou' and 'Dui Jibon.' He directed a good number of popular television drama serials including 'Sangshaptak,' 'Gharoya,' 'Pathor Somoy,' 'Joyar Bhata,' 'Baba,' 'Shirshobindu,' 'Uttaradhikar,' 'Shesh Bikeler Meye,' 'Ami Tumi Se,' 'Ek Janame' and 'Ekjon Babar Ali.'

Mamun founded drama group 'Theatre (Bailey Road)' and was an adviser to quarterly magazine 'Theatre.' He wrote 27 plays for theatre. He received prestigious awards 'Ekushey Padak,' 'Bangla Academy Award,' '1st National Television Award,' 'National Film Award,' 'Munir Chowdhury Honorary Award' and 'Agrani Bank Literature Award.'