Fazlul Haque remains a pioneering figure in the history of film journalism and children’s cinema in Bangladesh. He viewed cinema not merely as a tool for light entertainment, but as a potent medium for art, culture, social consciousness, and intellectual refinement. His creative footsteps across journalism, editing, and film direction established him as an extraordinary cultural personality.
Born on 26 May 1930 into an aristocratic family in Maltinagar, Bogura, Haque developed a deep passion for arts and culture during his childhood. Driven by this devotion, he ventured into film journalism at a time when cinema criticism and analytical writing were virtually non-existent in the region. His foresight and commitment played a pivotal role in cultivating healthy discourse, critical evaluation, and aesthetic appreciation surrounding Bangladeshi cinema.
Among his most enduring contributions was advancing the tradition of publishing Bengali-language film periodicals in the subcontinent. Through editing and publishing, he actively built an intellectually engaged readership centered on cinema. His celebrated magazine, Cinema, stands as a historic milestone in Bangladeshi film journalism. Beyond reporting industry news, the publication created a vital platform for evaluating artistic merit, production techniques, and cinematic aesthetics.
Alongside his journalistic pursuits, Haque left a distinctive mark as a filmmaker. He directed President, which is remembered as the first children’s film in Bangladesh. Bringing children’s imagination, joy, and psychological world to the silver screen was a forward-thinking endeavor well ahead of its time. He recognized that quality children’s cinema extends beyond entertainment, playing a crucial role in nurturing imagination, values, and human empathy.
A defining aspect of his legacy was his ability to bridge film journalism and active filmmaking. Balancing film criticism with hands-on directorial experience rendered him a unique figure in the cultural landscape. His career serves as a reminder that the growth of an art form requires creative directors alongside responsible journalism, constructive criticism, and a culturally conscious audience.
Haque passed away on 26 October 1990 at the age of sixty. His creative legacy, however, continues to inspire. To honor his memory, his wife, the eminent novelist Rabeya Khatun, instituted the ‘Fazlul Haque Memorial Award’ in 2004. Presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions to film journalism and direction, the award includes a crest, honorarium, and citation, reflecting profound love and respect for a cultural pioneer.
The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) also honored his legacy by naming an auditorium the ‘Fazlul Haque Memorial Auditorium’. Far from being a simple nameplate, it serves as a lasting tribute that connects new generations with his monumental contributions to cinema.
His family legacy remains deeply rooted in the nation’s media and cultural sectors. His son, Faridur Reza Sagar, is a prominent cultural personality and the founding director of Channel i, whilst his daughter, Keka Ferdousi, is a renowned culinary artist and television personality. Their achievements across their respective fields continue to reflect the cultural heritage cultivated by Haque.
Fazlul Haque demonstrated how dedicated individuals transcend their era through vision and creativity. Though no longer with us, he lives on through the progression of film journalism, the history of children’s cinema, and the institutions dedicated to preserving his memory. On his death anniversary, deep respect is offered to the memory of this trailblazing cultural icon.
