Syed Shamsul Haq’s 85th birth anniversary today

Today marks eminent poet, novelist and playwright Syed Shamsul Haq's 85th birthday.

He was born in Kurigram in 1935. He was one of the most active figures in our literary field. In the early 60s, he introduced unique themes and styles through his poetry and novels.

He started writing at an early age, and penned over 200 poems, before completing his matriculation. He enrolled at Dhaka University's English department, but did not complete his degree.

In his career spanning over 60 years, Haq penned 40 novels, and several collections of poems. His poems focus on Bengali culture and tradition, romanticism, patriotism, nature, liberty and the Liberation War. He also wrote plays, novels, rhymes, essays and short stories.

In novels and short stories, Haq delved deep into varied social, political and economic issues.

He has novels like "Stabdhatar Anubad", "Baro Diner Jiban", "Tumi Sei Tarobari", "Simana Chhariye", "Neel Dangshan", "Nishiddho Loban, Koyekti Manusher Sonali Jouban",  "Nirbasita, Khelaram Khele Ja", "Megh O Machine", "Anya Ek Alingan" and others to his credit.

He penned popular plays such as "Payer Awaj Pawa Jay", "Nuruldiner Shara Jibon", "Ekhane Ekhon", "Eersha, Narigon", "Khatta Tamasha",  "Judhha Ebong Judhha", "Banglar Mati Banglar Jal" and others. He also translated some western classics, including Shakespear's "Macbeth", "Hamlet", "The Tempest" and "Troilus and Cresida" and Ibsen's "Pyr Gynt."

He also wrote screenplays for many films and playback songs, including "Hayre manush rangin phanush", "Tumi ashbe boley kachhe dakbe boley," "Chander shathey ami dibona tomar tulana" and others.

The poet received the prestigious Bangla Academy Award at the age of 29 in 1964. He was also honoured with the Adamjee Literary Award, Shadhinota Padak, Ekushey Padak, Padabali Kobita Award, Mazharul Islam Poetry Award, Nasiruddin Gold Medal and National Poetry Award, among others.

He passed away at the age of 81 in 2016.