Zahir Raihan: A Luminary's Legacy
An in-depth exploration of the life, artistic contributions, and enduring impact of Mohammad Zahirullah, a pivotal figure in Bangladeshi literature, cinema, and the nation's fight for independence.
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Overview
A Multifaceted Talent
Mohammad Zahirullah, universally known as Zahir Raihan, was a distinguished Bangladeshi novelist, writer, and filmmaker whose career profoundly influenced the cultural and political landscape of his nation. Born on August 19, 1935, his artistic endeavors were deeply intertwined with the sociopolitical movements of his time, particularly the struggle for an independent Bangladesh.
Cinematic Visionary
Raihan is perhaps most celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to Bangladeshi cinema. His documentary, Stop Genocide (1971), stands as a powerful testament to the atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Liberation War, marking a critical moment in the history of Bangladeshi documentary filmmaking. His films often reflected the contemporary social and political realities, making him a voice for the people.
Posthumous Recognition
Despite his tragically short life, Zahir Raihan's immense contributions were recognized posthumously by the Government of Bangladesh. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1977 and the Independence Day Award in 1992, two of the highest civilian honors in Bangladesh, acknowledging his enduring legacy as a cultural hero and a champion of national identity.
EarlyLife
Birth and Family Roots
Zahir Raihan was born on August 19, 1935, in the tranquil village of Majupur, located in the Sonagazi region of Feni subdivision. At the time, this area was part of the Noakhali District within the Bengal Presidency of British India, a region rich in cultural heritage and historical significance. His family background provided a foundation for his intellectual pursuits.
Academic Beginnings
His father, Mawlana Mohammad Habibullah, was a respected professor at the Calcutta Alia Madrasa, and later at the Dacca Alia Madrasa. Following in his father's academic footsteps, Raihan enrolled in the Anglo-Persian Department of the Calcutta Alia Madrasa. However, his studies were abruptly interrupted by the tumultuous Partition of Bengal in 1947, a pivotal historical event that forced his family to return to their ancestral village from Calcutta.
Family Connections
Zahir Raihan was not the only prominent figure in his family. He had an elder brother, Shahidullah Kaiser, who was also a notable writer and intellectual. This familial environment undoubtedly fostered his own literary and artistic inclinations, connecting him to a broader intellectual tradition within Bengali society. His personal life included two marriages to film actresses, Sumita Devi and Shuchanda, with whom he had a total of four sons.
Journalism
Early Forays into Media
Parallel to his burgeoning literary career, Zahir Raihan embarked on a path in journalism, a field that allowed him to engage directly with public discourse and societal issues. His journey began in 1950 when he joined Juger Alo, a significant step into the world of media. This early experience honed his writing skills and deepened his understanding of public communication.
Editorial Leadership
Raihan's journalistic career saw him contribute to several other prominent newspapers and magazines, including Khapchhara, Jantrik, and Cinema. His dedication and talent led him to an editorial role, as he served as the editor of Probaho in 1956. These roles provided him with a platform to express his views and shape public opinion, further solidifying his reputation as an influential intellectual.
Literary Debut
His literary prowess was evident from his early works. In 1955, he published his first collection of short stories, titled Suryagrahan (The Solar Eclipse). This marked his formal entry into the literary world, showcasing his narrative abilities and thematic depth, which would later characterize his more extensive novels and screenplays.
Filmography
Directorial Milestones
Zahir Raihan's transition into filmmaking began with assistant roles, notably on the Urdu film Jago Hua Savera in 1957, marking his first direct involvement in the cinematic process. He also assisted Salahuddin on Je Nadi Marupathe and contributed to Ehtesham's E Desh Tomar Amar by writing its title song. His directorial debut came in 1960 with Kokhono Asheni, released in 1961. He achieved another milestone in 1964 by directing Pakistan's first color film, Sangam, and followed it with his first CinemaScope film, Bahana, the next year.
Literary Works
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Raihan was a prolific writer, penning numerous novels and short stories that captured the essence of Bengali life and the sociopolitical climate. His narratives often explored themes of identity, struggle, and human relationships, resonating deeply with his audience. His literary contributions are considered foundational to modern Bengali literature.
Producer Credits
In addition to his directorial and writing roles, Zahir Raihan also took on the mantle of a film producer, demonstrating his comprehensive involvement in the cinematic process. His production credits include several notable films, further highlighting his dedication to fostering the growth of Bengali cinema during a critical period.
Activism
The Language Movement
Zahir Raihan was a fervent supporter of the Bengali Language Movement of 1952, a pivotal moment in East Pakistan's history where people fought for the recognition of Bengali as an official language. He was present at the historic Amtala meeting on February 21, 1952, and was among the first individuals arrested on that significant day. The profound impact of this movement deeply influenced his artistic output, serving as the central theme for his landmark film, Jibon Theke Neya.
Mass Uprising of 1969
His commitment to social justice and national self-determination extended beyond the Language Movement. Raihan actively participated in the 1969 Mass Uprising in East Pakistan, a series of student and mass protests that played a crucial role in escalating the demand for autonomy and eventually independence. His involvement underscored his dedication to the political awakening of his people.
Documenting Genocide
In the immediate aftermath of the Bangladesh Liberation War's onset in March 1971, Raihan abandoned his English film project, Let There Be Light, to create his most impactful work: the documentary Stop Genocide. This film vividly depicted the horrific atrocities perpetrated by the Pakistani forces, serving as a powerful international appeal and a historical record. Critic Ziaul Haq Swapan hailed it as the genesis of Bangladeshi documentaries, a "vehement protest against the Pakistan army's pogrom in Bangladesh." He also produced another documentary during the war, A State is Born. During the conflict, while in Calcutta, his film Jibon Theke Neya garnered acclaim from renowned filmmakers like Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak. Despite facing financial hardship, Raihan selflessly donated all proceeds from the Calcutta showing to the Freedom Fighters trust.
Disappear
The Search for a Brother
Zahir Raihan's life took a tragic and mysterious turn on January 30, 1972. He went missing while actively searching for his elder brother, Shahidullah Kaiser, a prominent writer who had been captured and was presumed killed by the Pakistan army and/or local collaborators during the final days of the Bangladesh Liberation War. This desperate search for his brother led him into perilous circumstances.
A Tragic End
Many accounts suggest that Raihan, along with several others, was killed when armed Bihari and Bengali collaborators, alongside soldiers of the Pakistan Army who were in hiding, opened fire on them. This incident is believed to have occurred when they ventured into Mirpur, a suburb of Dhaka that was known as a stronghold for Pakistani/Bihari collaborators at that time. The precise circumstances of his death remain shrouded in mystery, and it is noted that no official investigation was conducted during the subsequent government's tenure.
Enduring Absence
Zahir Raihan was only 36 years old at the time of his disappearance. His status remains "Missing" for over five decades, a poignant symbol of the many lives lost and the unresolved traumas of the Liberation War. His disappearance left a void in Bangladeshi intellectual and artistic circles, but his legacy as a courageous artist and patriot continues to inspire generations.
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References
References
- Hoek 2014, p.ย 105: "Nadeem and Bobita ... in the Urdu film Jaltey Suraj Ke Neeche ... Directed by Zahir Raihan (though in places credited to his assistant director Nurul Hoque)."
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