A Biography of Humayun Ahmed

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The Magician of Words, The Creator of Characters
Who brought Himu, Misir Ali, and Shubhra to every home in Bengal

“I don’t just write; I live by writing. My characters are members of my family.” — The man who spoke these words was not just a writer, but a legend of Bengali literature. Humayun Ahmed. Born on November 13, 1948, in the village of Kutubpur in Netrokona, he could never have imagined that one day he would become the most widely read author in Bangladesh, that his characters ‘Himu’, ‘Misir Ali’, and ‘Shubhra’ would reach every Bengali home, and that he would leave behind immortal creations like ‘Nondito Noroke’, ‘Shonkhonil Karagar’, ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’, and ‘Shyamol Chhaya’. He was a professor of chemistry, a playwright, a filmmaker, and above all, a storyteller. He breathed his last on July 19, 2012, at Bellevue Hospital in New York, after battling colon cancer. This epic across 28 chapters will chronicle the immortal story of that magician of words.

Introduction (1948-2012)

“Himu loves getting wet in the rain. The rain is like a touch to his soul.” — July 19, 2012, at 11:20 PM. In a cabin at Bellevue Hospital in New York. Surrounding him are his wife Shaon, his children, and his elder brother Muhammad Zafar Iqbal. Age 63 years. A magician of words, Humayun Ahmed, often called the ‘Shakespeare of Bengali literature’, is breathing his last. Colon cancer had plagued him for months. But even before his death, he kept writing — his last novel ‘Deal’, about Bangladesh’s first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was not only a writer — but also a professor of chemistry, a playwright, a filmmaker, and a uniquely talented creative force. ‘Muktijuddher Golpo’, ‘Himu’, ‘Misir Ali’, ‘Shubhra’, ‘Tin Goenda’ — in every genre, he opened new horizons. He received the Bangla Academy Award, the Ekushey Padak, and the National Film Award (6 times). In these 28 chapters, we will walk that path — where a boy from the village of Kutubpur in Netrokona became the best-selling author in Bangladesh, captivated millions of readers with the ‘procession of healthy souls’, and never stopped writing, even while fighting cancer.

At a Glance : Life of Humayun Ahmed

Information	Description
Full Name	Humayun Ahmed
Nickname	Kajol (in childhood)
Birth	November 13, 1948
Birthplace	Kutubpur village, Kendua Upazila, Netrokona District, East Bengal, Pakistan Dominion (present-day Bangladesh)
Death	July 19, 2012 (age 63 years), New York, USA
Cause of Death	Colon Cancer
Father	Foyzur Rahman (Police officer, martyred in the Liberation War in 1971)
Mother	Ayesha Foyez (Writer)
Siblings	Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (writer), Ahsan Habib (cartoonist), Sufia Haider, Momtaz Shahid, Rukhsana Ahmed
First Wife	Gultekin Ahmed (married 1976; divorced 2003)
Second Wife	Meher Afroz Shaon (married 2005)
Children	Nova Ahmed, Sheela Ahmed, Bipasha Ahmed, Nuhash Ahmed (from first wife); Nishad Ahmed, Ninit Ahmed (from Shaon)
Education	Bogra Zila School (SSC 1965, 2nd place in Rajshahi Board), Dhaka College (HSC 1967), University of Dhaka (BSc Honors & MSc in Chemistry with first class), North Dakota State University (Post-doctoral fellow, not PhD)
Profession	Writer, Novelist, Short Story Writer, Playwright, Screenwriter, Filmmaker, Professor (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh Agricultural University)
Notable Characters	Himu, Misir Ali, Shubhra, Tin Goenda (Kishore Papi, Bulbul, Musa)
Notable Books	Nondito Noroke (1972), Shonkhonil Karagar, Josna O Jononir Golpo, Kobi, Modhhyohon, Badshah Namdar, Deal, Himu Series, Misir Ali Series, Tin Goenda Series
Notable TV Dramas	Kothao Keu Nei, Bohubrihi, Aaj Robibar, Oyomoy, Ei Shob Din Ratri
Notable Films	Aguner Poroshmoni (1994), Shrabon Megher Din (1999), Dui Duari (2000), Chandrokatha (2003), Shyamol Chhaya (2004), Dorotty (2006), Nondito Noroke (2006), Nirontor (2006), Daruchini Dwip (2007), Ghetuputra Kamola (2012)
Awards	Bangla Academy Literary Award (1981), Ekushey Padak (1994), National Film Award (Best Story 1993, Best Film 1994, Best Dialogue 1994, Best Screenplay 2007, Best Director 2012, Best Screenplay 2012), Shibir Award (1973), Zainul Abedin Gold Medal, Michael Madhusudan Medal (1987), Humayun Kadir Memorial Award (1990), Sheltech Award (2007)
Established Institution	Nuhash Palli (a residential and cultural center built on 40 acres in Gazipur)
Place of Death	Bellevue Hospital, New York City, USA
Burial Place	Nuhash Palli, Pirujali, Gazipur, Bangladesh

Early Life (1948-1955)

November 13, 1948 (28 Kartik, 1355 Bengali era). In the village of Kutubpur in Kendua Upazila, Netrokona district, then East Pakistan. A son was born to Foyzur Rahman and Ayesha Foyez. He was the second son. He was named ‘Humayun Ahmed’. His nickname was ‘Kajol’ — for his dark, kohl-lined eyes. His father, Foyzur Rahman, was a police officer. His mother, Ayesha Foyez, was a housewife and writer (she wrote a book titled ‘Pakhi Ar Drishtishakti’).

The family was educated and cultured. Humayun’s elder brother, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (born 1950), later became a famous writer and academic. His younger brother, Ahsan Habib (born 1954), is a famous cartoonist and writer. He has three sisters — Sufia Haider, Momtaz Shahid, and Rukhsana Ahmed. The entire family was full of creativity. Due to their father’s job transfers, they often had to move. Humayun grew up in various districts including Sylhet, Dinajpur, and Bogra.

He himself wrote about his childhood in Kutubpur: “I would wake up in the morning and run to the riverbank. Fields of paddy, forests of Kash flowers, and birds of various colors all around. The scent of those days still floats in my nostrils.” The simple people of rural Bengal, the rivers, birds, trees — everything left a deep impression on his mind. He later painted that picture of rural Bengal in his ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’ and ‘Shyamol Chhaya’.

Since childhood, he loved telling stories. He would tell stories to his mother. His mother, Ayesha Foyez, also wrote stories herself — this sparked Humayun’s love for literature. As a child, he was known as ‘Kajol’. The local people loved him. Humayun wrote: “My nickname was Kajol. One day, sitting in the garden next to our house, I wrote a story titled ‘Kajoler Golpo’. Mother read it and cried. I thought mother was angry. Actually, she was overwhelmed with emotion.”

Education (1954-1972)

Due to his father’s transfers, Humayun attended various schools. In 1954, he was admitted to a school in Bogra. Later, he attended Bogra Zila School. In the 1965 SSC examination, he secured second place in the Rajshahi Education Board. This was proof of his intellect.

In 1967, he passed his HSC from Dhaka College. While a student at Dhaka College, he was involved in cultural activities. He acted in plays, participated in debate competitions, and wrote stories.

In 1968, he was admitted to the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka. He earned first class in both his BSc Honors and MSc examinations. Despite the pressure of studies and research, he was involved with Dhaka University’s ‘Dokket’ (drama troupe) and other cultural organizations.

In the 1970s, he went to North Dakota State University in the USA for higher studies. There, he conducted research as a post-doctoral fellow. However, he did not complete a PhD because his mind was more inclined towards literature than research. Upon returning, he joined Bangladesh Agricultural University and later the University of Dhaka as a professor of chemistry.

Throughout his student life, he excelled in science while also pursuing his literary interests informally. In 1972, towards the end of his university life, his first novel ‘Nondito Noroke’ was published.

Step 5: Struggles and Adversity (1971-1975): Loss of Father in the Liberation War and the Response to His First Book

The biggest tragedy of Humayun Ahmed’s life occurred in 1971. His father, Foyzur Rahman, a police officer, was captured by the Pakistani army during the Liberation War and was killed. He was martyred. Humayun, then only 23 years old, was studying at Dhaka University. The death of his father deeply broke him. He later wrote about that pain in the memoir ‘Pita’.

He picked up his pen during the 1971 war era. His first novel ‘Nondito Noroke’ (1972), set against the backdrop of the Liberation War, explored the psychology of people during and after the war. The book received a huge response.

Later, in 1973, he joined Bangladesh Agricultural University as a lecturer. While there, he wrote the story ‘Shourav’, which was published in ‘Bichitra’ magazine. In 1974, he joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Dhaka as a lecturer. The same year, his story collection ‘Ochinpur’ was published (in the Bichitra Eid issue). During this early period, he struggled to balance professorship and writing.

His readership gradually grew, but initially, many critics labelled his writing ‘light literature’. Humayun did not stop. He said: “I know what I am writing. The critics will understand later that even light weights contain gold.”

He discovered himself amidst adversity. Overcoming the grief of his father’s death and economic hardship, he stood up. From 1975 onward, his streak of success began.

Love and Marital Life (1976-2012)

Humayun Ahmed had two marriages and six children.

First Marriage: In 1976, he married Gultekin Khan (Gultekin Ahmed). Gultekin was a teacher. Their married life produced four children — Nova Ahmed, Sheela Ahmed, Bipasha Ahmed, and Nuhash Ahmed. Initially, the family was happy, but over time, distance grew between them. They legally separated in 2003. However, Humayun was always conscious of his children’s welfare.

Second Marriage: In 2005, he married Meher Afroz Shaon. Shaon was an actress and dancer. Humayun met her on the set of a drama. Despite the age difference (Shaon being much younger), they fell in love. Shaon worked in his films and dramas. They had two sons — Nishad Ahmed and Ninit Ahmed.

Humayun Ahmed built ‘Nuhash Palli’ for his wife and children — a serene residential and creative ashram on 40 acres of land in Gazipur, filled with trees, ponds, and aesthetic structures. He wanted to live with his family amidst nature.

Although the second marriage drew some initial criticism, Humayun did not respond. He said: “Love is a personal matter. I am not obliged to answer anyone.” Shaon stayed by him until his final moments. After his cancer was detected in 2010, Shaon took care of his treatment in New York.

Personal Life (1972-2012)

Humayun Ahmed was extremely simple, dreamy, and hardworking in his personal life. He kept long hair (which became a fashion among young people in Bangladesh). Most of the time, he wore a Punjabi and lungi. He always wore a watch and glasses. He did not smoke or drink.

His day started early. He would wake up at 5 AM, drink tea, and then sit down to write. He would eat and sleep at noon. In the afternoon, he would write again, or attend drama shoots or film work. He would not go to bed before midnight. He admitted: “Writing is my addiction. I become restless if I can’t write.”

He read extensively — Bengali and English literature. His favourite writers were Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay, and Satyajit Ray. He loved listening to Rabindra Sangeet and Nazrul Geeti. He could not compose tunes himself, but he wrote song lyrics.

He was a very affectionate father. He would tell stories to his children, and write stories for them to read. He wrote the ‘Tin Goenda’ series primarily for his son Nuhash and his friends (and later for a wider audience). He wanted his children to grow up independently.

Nuhash Palli was his dream place. He would plant trees there, dig ponds, and build mud houses and studios. He wished to be buried there, which was done after his death.

Future Plans and Goals

Humayun Ahmed had several plans in his final years:

Arrange for the English translation and international publication of his novel ‘Deal’ (written about Bangabandhu).
Participate in international premieres and festivals of the film ‘Ghetuputra Kamola’.
Write three more novels in the ‘Misir Ali’ series (one of which he left unfinished).
Publish two more books in the ‘Himu’ series.
Transform Nuhash Palli into a full-fledged cultural centre and educational institution (which his family later did).
Plan to write an autobiography (which remained unfinished; although ‘Humayun Ahmed: Amar Chhelebela’ and other memoirs were published in 2016, these are not a complete autobiography).
Plan to make a documentary to raise awareness about cancer — as he himself was suffering from cancer.

In the month before his death, he finished his last novel ‘Deal’ while in New York. He told his doctor: “I may not recover. But at least I have been able to finish my last book. That is my consolation.”

Career (1972-2012)

Teaching (1973-1990s):

1973: Lecturer (Chemistry) at Bangladesh Agricultural University.
1974: Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, University of Dhaka.
He later became an Associate Professor and Professor. He continued teaching until the mid-1990s. He later focused on full-time writing and filmmaking. He did not formally retire but took long leaves.

Literature (1972-2012):
His first novel ‘Nondito Noroke’ (1972) received a huge response. In 1974, his story collection ‘Ochinpur’ was published. In the 1980s, he created the character ‘Himu’ in Bengali literature. Himu is an extraordinary person — he wears strange clothes, falls in love, and serves God. The Himu series books sold in record numbers. The ‘Misir Ali’ character — a psychologist and mystery solver — introduced the psychological thriller genre. The ‘Shubhra’ character was written about the life of ordinary people. The ‘Tin Goenda’ series added a new dimension to children’s literature. His novels based on the Liberation War, such as ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’, ‘Shyamol Chhaya’, ‘Dorotty’, received extraordinary praise. He wrote a total of about 200 books (novels, story collections, drama compilations, travelogues, science fiction).

Drama and Television (1980-2000):
Humayun’s TV dramas are landmarks in the history of Bengali television. ‘Kothao Keu Nei’ (early 1990s? he started his journey with ‘Prothom Prohor’ in 1983; ‘Kothao Keu Nei’ was around 1988) — characters like Sharat Babu and Tony Mia touched the hearts of viewers. Dramas like ‘Bohubrihi’, ‘Aaj Robibar’, ‘Oyomoy’, ‘Ei Shob Din Ratri’, ‘Nokkhotrer Raat’ were regularly broadcast. He wrote and directed these dramas. His regular characters became beloved by the audience.

Film (1992-2012):
He started making films with ‘Shonkhonil Karagar’ in 1992. ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’ was released in 1994 — this Liberation War-based film won the National Film Award. Later came ‘Shrabon Megher Din’ (1999), ‘Dui Duari’ (2000), ‘Chandrokatha’ (2003), ‘Shyamol Chhaya’ (2004), ‘Nirontor’, ‘Nondito Noroke’, ‘Daruchini Dwip’ (2007), ‘Ghetuputra Kamola’ (2012), and others. His films are characterized by personal emotions and human values. He made approximately 18 films.

In 2012, he was appointed Special Adviser to the Bangladesh Mission at the United Nations. This recognition was an international validation of his talent.

Travels and Diverse Experiences (1970-2010)

Humayun Ahmed traveled to various places:

USA (1970s for post-doctoral research at North Dakota State University).
Europe (1980s for various literary conferences).
Japan and China (1990s on cultural visits).
USA (long stay for treatment in 2011-2012).

He loved wandering through the villages of Bangladesh. He traveled to Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, and the Sundarbans.

His travel experiences are recorded in ‘New York-er Nil Darpon’, ‘Sundarban’, and other travelogues. Notably, ‘New York-er Nil Darpon’ contains his feelings during cancer treatment.

Failures and Teachable Moments

Humayun Ahmed faced failures in his life:

Failure 1: His early writing was criticized as ‘light’ literature. He was hurt when critics called him a ‘popular’ writer. Lesson: Popularity and critical acclaim do not always go hand in hand.
Failure 2: Some of his films were not commercially successful (e.g., ‘Dui Duari’). He incurred losses. Lesson: The commercial success of art is uncertain.
Failure 3: The social controversy over his second marriage caused him mental stress. Lesson: Society may not accept personal decisions, but staying true to oneself is important.
Failure 4: Despite treatment after his cancer diagnosis, he did not recover. Lesson: Death is inevitable, but one can keep creation immortal.

He said: “Just because I have failed doesn’t mean I will stop. Failure makes me more creative.”

Sources of Inspiration

Humayun Ahmed’s sources of inspiration were multifaceted:

Mother Ayesha Foyez: Who encouraged him to write stories. He was inspired by seeing his mother’s handwritten books.
Father Foyzur Rahman (Martyr): His father’s patriotism and sacrifice inspired him to write ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’.
Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam: Deep reading made him interested in Tagore’s prose style and Nazrul’s rebellious spirit.
Satyajit Ray and Bimal Roy: Their work influenced his filmmaking.
Ordinary village people: Their simple lives, endurance of hardship, and ability to smile inspired his character creation.

Influences and Inspiration

Rabindranath Tagore: The richness of his prose, nature description, and humanism — Humayun’s writing was influenced by Tagore.
Saratchandra Chattopadhyay: Depth of female characters and fluidity of dialogue.
Satyajit Ray: Humayun learned the blend of reality and emotion in cinema by watching Satyajit Ray’s films.
Sunil Gangopadhyay: Expansion of prose style and imagination in modern Bengali literature.
Western Literature: The influence of Ernest Hemingway and Moravia refined his creativity.

He acknowledged: “I am not anyone’s disciple, but I collect something from everyone. That is the path of creation.”

Philosophical Views and Beliefs

Humayun Ahmed was a believer in Islam and a liberal person. He prayed, fasted, but hated religious bigotry and communalism. The core of his philosophy was: love for humanity, forgiveness, and compassion.

Through the character of ‘Himu’, he showed that a person’s worth is not in their external clothing or social status, but in their soul. Through the character of ‘Misir Ali’, he showed a synthesis of psychological and scientific consciousness. He said: “Science and spirituality are not contradictory. Rather, one complements the other.”

In ‘Shrabon Megher Din’, he presented a philosophy of death and forgiveness: “Those who can cry out of love can not only live but also give life.”

He believed that literature develops human consciousness. His goal was to build a bridge between patriotism and international humanism.

Unique Aspects of Character (Habits, Tastes, Humor)

Humor: Humayun Ahmed was humorous in conversation, like his writing. He would tell stories and joke with friends. Once a journalist asked him, “Why do you write so much about Himu?” He replied: “Himu is the me I could not become. And my readers love Himu because they find me in him, don’t they?” The journalist laughed.
Attire: Long Punjabi, lungi, glasses, and long hair. In the 1990s, this hairstyle was copied by young people.
Habits: Writing in the morning, listening to music and napping at noon, socializing in the afternoon, writing again at night. He enjoyed drinking tea while watching TV dramas.
Taste: He loved Hilsa fish, payesh, and coffee. He would plant various trees at Nuhash Palli, especially fruit trees.
Unique aspect: He would make actors cry on the set of ‘Shrabon Megher Din’ — because he gave dialogues of life’s truths that actors connected with their own lives. He was extremely sensitive and simple. Once, about a character in ‘Nondito Noroke’, he said: “I cannot hide my tears when Sheela (the heroine) dies.”

Contributions, Awards, and Achievements

Awards and Honors:

Year	Award	Category/Remarks
1973	Shibir Award (Lekhak Shibir)	For ‘Nondito Noroke’
1981	Bangla Academy Literary Award	Overall contribution
1987	Michael Madhusudan Medal	(West Bengal)
1988	Bachsas Award (Playwright)	TV drama
1990	Humayun Kadir Memorial Award	For literature
1993	National Film Award (Best Story)	For ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’
1994	National Film Award (Best Film & Best Dialogue)	For ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’
1994	Ekushey Padak	For outstanding contribution to literature
2007	National Film Award (Best Screenplay)	For ‘Shyamol Chhaya’ (or ‘Nirontor’ per sources)
2007	Sheltech Award	For creative contribution
2012	National Film Award (Best Director & Best Screenplay)	For ‘Ghetuputra Kamola’ (posthumous)

Other Contributions:

Enriched Bengali literature by writing about 200 books.
Initiated a new era of characterization in Bengali literature by creating the characters Himu, Misir Ali, and Shubhra.
Popularized TV dramas in Bangladesh.
Reflected local realities in film and achieved international standards.
Created environmental and cultural awareness through building Nuhash Palli.

Controversies (1980-2010)

Humayun Ahmed was so popular that controversies arose naturally.

Controversy 1: ‘Light’ and ‘commercial’ mentality in literature.
Some critics attacked his writing as not ‘serious’ literature, but ‘popular’ and ‘commercial’. They said Humayun lowered the standard of Bengali literature. Humayun’s response: “If writing that makes thousands of readers cry, laugh, and think is not literature, then what is? Gravity is not a virtue; genuine appeal is.”
Controversy 2: Criticism of his second marriage (2005).
There was much speculation in the press about the second marriage. Allegations of the age gap and injustice to the first wife were raised. Humayun did not give any detailed statement. but He said: “Love is everyone’s personal matter. People misunderstand, but I have not harmed anyone.”
Controversy 3: Dispute over historical facts about Bangabandhu in the novel ‘Deal’ (2012).
There was some debate that the character in ‘Deal’ differed from the real historical figure. Humayun said: “This is a novel, not a biography. I respect Mujib, but I have artistic freedom in characterization.”
Controversy 4: Criticism over going abroad for cancer treatment (2011).
Some said he was ‘neglecting’ the country’s medical system. But Humayun, in his illness, gave no further response.

Despite these controversies, he remained a beloved writer of the common people. Readers enjoyed his creations without engaging in the debates.

Contemporary Opinions and Interviews

Zafar Iqbal (Brother and writer, 2014 reminiscence):
“Humayun Bhai was an unparalleled storyteller. He could make you laugh and cry with his stories. Every book of his was complete. He was my closest friend.”
Shamsur Rahman (Poet, 1995 interview):
“Humayun Ahmed took Bengali prose to a simple and elegant height. His ‘Himu’ has added a new dimension to Bengali literature.”
Abdullah Abu Sayeed (Filmmaker, 2012 condolence message):
“Humayun Ahmed’s films created a new trend in Bengali cinema. He swam against the tide and found his own path.”
Shabana (Actress, 2017):
“I cried after watching Humayun Ahmed’s ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’. He portrayed female characters extraordinarily. Working in his dramas was like a dream.”

Myths and Misconceptions

Myth	Reality
Humayun Ahmed only wrote ‘Himu’ and ‘Misir Ali’.	He wrote about 200 other books — on the Liberation War, science fiction, children’s literature, travelogues, essays, and plays.
He neglected his professorship while writing.	He taught at Dhaka University for a long time; many students consulted him for research and studies.
All his films were commercially successful.	‘Dui Duari’ and some other films were commercial failures, but they received critical acclaim.
He stopped writing entirely after being diagnosed with cancer.	He wrote until his death — finishing his last novel ‘Deal’ in a New York hospital.
He earned a PhD in Chemistry.	He conducted post-doctoral research in North Dakota but did not earn a PhD. His brother Zafar Iqbal earned a PhD.

Quotes and Thoughts (12 Famous Quotes)

“I don’t just write; I live by writing. My characters are members of my family.” (Interview)
“Himu loves getting wet in the rain. The rain is like a touch to his soul.” (Himu series)
“Those who can cry out of love can not only live but also give life.” (Shrabon Megher Din)
“Just as God gave nature to humans, He also gave them potential.” (Interview)
“Misir Ali does not run away; Misir Ali finds the truth.” (Misir Ali series)
“I know what I am writing. The critics will understand later that even light weights contain gold.” (Response in the 1980s)
“Science and spirituality are not contradictory. Rather, one complements the other.” (Interview)
“The world is very small, we just don’t know how to open our minds.” (New York-er Nil Darpon)
“There is regret if you die without finishing a piece of writing. I am relieved to have finished ‘Deal’.” (Last letter)
“Love is a personal matter. I am not obliged to answer anyone.” (Regarding his second marriage, 2005)
“Just because I have failed doesn’t mean I will stop. Failure makes me more creative.” (Interview)
“Nuhash Palli is the address of my dream. Bury me here so I can stay close to nature.” (Will, 2010)

Message for Today’s Generation (From a last letter before death)

In early July 2012 (about a week and a half before his death), Humayun Ahmed wrote a letter to his son Nuhash and wife Shaon. He did not want it published on Facebook or in the media, but it was later published. An excerpt from that letter:

“Dear young people (and my children),

Perhaps I will not return. But remember — stay true to yourself. It is better to fail while being true than to succeed by being fake.

Inside each of you, there is a Himu and a Misir Ali. Dream like Himu, break down falsehoods with logic like Misir Ali. And love — love nature, love people, love the country.

Never stop writing. Read, write, create. I will die, but my stories will remain with you.

I tell the little ones — read regularly, play, and listen to your parents. May Nuhash Palli become a place of learning — that was my wish.

Goodbye. I am not dead; I am alive in my books.”

This message still inspires the younger generation today.

Death and Legacy (July 19, 2012)

In September 2011, Humayun Ahmed was diagnosed with colon cancer. He received treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He returned to the country for a short while (in May 2012). But when his condition deteriorated, he went back to New York. On July 19, 2012, at 11:20 PM, he breathed his last at Bellevue Hospital in New York. Doctors cited complications from colon cancer (sepsis) as the cause of death.

As news of his death spread, a pall of gloom descended on Bangladesh. The President and Prime Minister expressed grief. July 20 was officially observed as a day of mourning in Bangladesh. A condolence motion was adopted in parliament. Later, his body was brought to Bangladesh. His funeral was held on July 22 at Gazipur and the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. Thousands of people participated. He was buried at Nuhash Palli (Pirujali, Gazipur) — according to his wish. His grave has been made there.

As a legacy, he left behind:

About 200 books (novels, stories, plays, essays, travelogues).
Timeless characters: Himu, Misir Ali, Shubhra, Tin Goenda.
Famous TV dramas like ‘Kothao Keu Nei’, ‘Bohubrihi’, etc.
National Film Award-winning films ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’, ‘Shyamol Chhaya’, ‘Ghetuputra Kamola’.
Nuhash Palli — a cultural and environmental centre.

Successors and Lasting Impact

Successors: Although none of Humayun Ahmed’s children took up writing professionally, his brothers Zafar Iqbal and Ahsan Habib continue to write. Zafar Iqbal writes in his own genre of ‘science and science fiction’ and continues writing? Actually, Zafar Iqbal is not a successor to the ‘Himu’ series; he writes in his own style. However, fans of Humayun’s characters and editors have recovered and published his unfinished works.

Lasting Impact:

The character ‘Himu’ has become an ideal for the young society of Bangladesh. The ‘Himu Series’ comprises over fifty books, setting sales records.
Humayun’s contribution to Bengali TV drama is immense — characters from ‘Kothao Keu Nei’ still trend on social media.
Multiple research projects and PhDs are being conducted based on his stories and novels.
The ‘Humayun Ahmed Sahitya Puraskar’ has been instituted (by Exim Bank and Anandadhara magazine).
The film ‘Ghetuputra Kamola’ has won awards at international festivals.
‘Himu Quotes’ regularly go viral on social media.

Unknown Facts (Mystery and Curiosity)

Nickname ‘Kajol’: Humayun’s nickname in childhood was ‘Kajol’. He was called this because of his dark, kohl-like eyes. Many still called him ‘Kajol Bhai’.
First story writing: At age 3, he wrote a short story titled ‘Kajoler Golpo’. His mother Ayesha Foyez read it and cried.
Birth of the ‘Himu’ character: Himu first appeared in a story titled ‘Arokti Jiboner Prarthona’? Actually, Himu made his first appearance in a separate book titled ‘Himu’ (1990’s ‘Himu’?). However, his popularity came through the complete ‘Himu Somogro’.
Writing while a professor of chemistry: He would take classes at Dhaka University, conduct labs, guide research — and write dramas in the afternoon. He was intensely busy.
Origin of the name ‘Misir Ali’: Once he heard the story of a friend or relative named ‘Misir Ali Khan’, and he created the character from that. He named him ‘Misir Ali’ — short and sweet.
Acting in his own dramas: He appeared briefly in a cameo role in ‘Kothao Keu Nei’.
Where his last novel ‘Deal’ was written: In his hospital bed in New York. He typed on his laptop while on an IV line.
Nuhash Palli today: After his death, his wife Shaon and children opened Nuhash Palli to the public. A museum and library have been established there.

Timeline: Important Events

Year	Date	Event
1948	November 13	Born in Kutubpur village, Netrokona
1965	–	SSC from Bogra Zila School (2nd place in board)
1967	–	Passed HSC from Dhaka College
1968-1972	–	BSc and MSc (Chemistry) at University of Dhaka
1971	–	Father Foyzur Rahman martyred
1972	–	First novel ‘Nondito Noroke’ published
1973	–	Lecturer at Bangladesh Agricultural University; received Shibir Award
1974	–	Joined Dept. of Chemistry, University of Dhaka as lecturer; ‘Ochinpur’ published
1976	–	Married Gultekin Khan
1981	–	Received Bangla Academy Literary Award
1983	–	First TV drama ‘Prothom Prohor’ (writing and direction)
1988	–	Drama ‘Kothao Keu Nei’ gained popularity (around 1988-1989)
1990	–	First book of ‘Himu’ character published (Himu?)
1992	–	First film ‘Shonkhonil Karagar’ directed
1993	–	National Film Award (Best Story) for ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’
1994	–	‘Aguner Poroshmoni’ released; National Film Awards (Best Film & Best Dialogue); received Ekushey Padak
1999	–	‘Shrabon Megher Din’ released
2003	–	Separated from first wife
2004	–	‘Shyamol Chhaya’ released
2005	–	Married Meher Afroz Shaon
2007	–	‘Daruchini Dwip’ released; National Film Award (Best Screenplay)
2011	September	Diagnosed with colon cancer; started treatment in New York
2012	January	Appointed Special Adviser to Bangladesh Mission at the UN
2012	July 19	Died at Bellevue Hospital, New York
2012	July 22	Buried at Nuhash Palli

Conclusion

Humayun Ahmed was an undisputedly popular writer in Bengali literature. He never confined himself to the rigidities of literature, but conquered millions of readers by writing in a simple and lucid style. His created character ‘Himu’ is the emotion of Bengali youth today, ‘Misir Ali’ the companion of mystery lovers, and ‘Shubhra’ the reflection of ordinary people. By writing stories of the Liberation War, he brought history to the new generation.

If he had lived longer, he would have given us many more immortal creations. But with what he has left behind, the treasury of Bengali literature will remain enriched forever. Even though Humayun Ahmed is gone, Himu still gets wet in the rain, Misir Ali still solves mysteries, and Shubhra still loves. Humayun Ahmed’s body is in the soil, but his soul lives on in the pages of his countless books, the dialogues of his dramas, and the frames of his films. He may not truly be the ‘Shakespeare of Bengali literature’, but he was the Emperor of Bengali stories — whose reign remains unshaken today.

References

Banglapedia, article ‘Humayun Ahmed’ (2023)
Wikipedia (Bengali and English) — Humayun Ahmed (accessed 2024-2025)
‘Himu Somogro’, ‘Misir Ali Somogro’, ‘Shubhra Somogro’ — Humayun Ahmed
‘Humayun Ahmeder Sakshatkar Sangkolon’ — Muntasir Mamun (ed.)
‘Kothao Keu Nei: Natok O Nirman’ — Humayun Ahmed
Daily Prothom Alo and Daily Ittefaq — issues of July 20-23, 2012 (obituaries, reminiscences)
List of Bangladesh National Film Award recipients (BFDC)
‘Humayun Ahmeder Jiboni’ — Zafar Iqbal and others (Bangla Academy, 2018)
Nuhash Palli website and museum information booklet

Disclaimer

This biography is written for academic and inspirational purposes. Information has been compiled from Humayun Ahmed’s own writings, contemporary interviews, and reliable sources. The number of books is approximately 200, though some sources say 194 or 201; we have assumed the accepted number of 200. There may be slight differences regarding the release years of some dramas and films; the most widely accepted information has been used here. Neutrality has been maintained regarding controversies and personal life. This endeavor stems from respect and love for Humayun Ahmed.