The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Litterateur Rahat Khan, who has traversed a long way embellishing and invigorating the literary arena, was honoured here yesterday marking his fifty years as a writer covering a variety of creative works.

Speakers showered praise on him for his multifaceted talents and he was greeted with flowers, songs and gifts at a small but lively gathering at Bangladesh National Museum.

The 68-year-old Rahat Khan, also Editor of the daily Ittefaq, was visibly moved by the sentiments expressed by his seniors, friends and admirers, who congratulated him for his long journey in the field of Bengali literature and wished further success in the years ahead.

Presided over by noted educationist Professor Zillur Rahman Siddiqui, National Professor Kabir Chowdhury was the chief guest on the occasion.

The speakers included Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique of Dhaka University, writer Anwara Syed Huq, Chief Editor of BSS and columnist Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, Rahat Khan's college days friend Prof Jatin Sarkar, eminent singer Prof Nasheed Kamal, writer Ata Sarkar and Executive Editor of the daily Ittefaq Syed Tosaraf Ali.

They were unanimous that Rahat Khan has established himself as a leading figure in the realm of Bengali literature over a span of five decades negotiating an arduous phase.

He was initially engrossed in teaching in the college and switched over to journalism, which later took him to the zenith of success in his career.

But, the speakers agreed, his genius found truly enchanting expression as a litterateur and the path remains still unending as he has more to contribute in this field.

A suave and humble Rahat Khan thanked "Amra Surjamukhi", the organisation that arranged the programme and those who attended it as he sought blessings for the rest of his life.