In Remembrance Zahir Raihan Will Live for a Thousand Years

Among the most widely read novels of Bangladesh, one name stands apart — Hajar Bochor Dhore (A Thousand Years Hence). The novel’s tender portrayal of rural life — its joys and sorrows, hopes and despair, and the quiet resilience of ordinary people — continues to touch readers’ hearts decades after its publication. With the passage of time, its appeal has only grown stronger. Through this timeless work, Zahir Raihan has become immortal in the love of his readers — a writer destined to live on for a thousand years.

Zahir Raihan was born on 19 August 1935 in Majupur village, Nababbpur, Sonagazi upazila of Feni district. Though his life was brief, his creative journey was remarkably rich.

He was immensely popular as a writer and equally outstanding as a filmmaker. In both literature and cinema, he left a powerful and lasting legacy. Novels, short stories, films, journalism — his creative presence was vibrant across every field.

As a short story writer, Raihan’s achievements remain undeniable. His story Shomoyer Proyojone (In the Need of Time) was once included in academic curricula, and many of his short stories still leave a deep impression on readers.

His novel Arek Falgun, set against the backdrop of the Language Movement, is a unique masterpiece in Bangla literature. Its final line —

“In the coming Falgun, we shall be twice as many” —

continues to inspire the spirit of awakening and resistance. Another significant novel on the Language Movement is Ekushey February.

In Borof Gola Nodi, he powerfully depicted the struggles of ordinary people. His novel Shesh Bikel-er Meye weaves together life and love like a garland threaded without knots.

In cinema, Zahir Raihan was far ahead of his time. His immortal film Jibon Theke Neya (Taken from Life) elevated Bangla cinema to extraordinary heights and remains just as relevant and compelling today.

He directed Behula, the debut film of the legendary actor Razzak, launching his journey as a leading man. Raihan also introduced many other artistes, including the celebrated actress Bobita, to the film industry.

In films such as Kacher Deyal and Anowara, he portrayed the happiness and sorrow, joys and struggles of common people. His first directed film in the 1960s was Kokhono Asheni. He also directed Sangam, the first colour film made during the Pakistan era.

In recognition of his literary achievements, he was posthumously awarded the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1972. Later, he received the Ekushey Padak in 1977 and the Independence Award in 1992 — both posthumously.

Yet his greatest reward has always been the sincere love of readers and audiences, which remains undiminished.

After the country’s independence, on 17 December 1971, he returned to his homeland and began searching for his missing brother, the writer Shahidullah Kaiser. Following a mysterious phone call promising information about his brother, Raihan went to the Bihari-inhabited area of Mirpur. He never returned.

The day was Saturday, 30 January 1972.

At just 37 years of age, a radiant pole star fell from the sky of Bangla literature and culture. But the light of his creations has never faded. He lives on in his stories, novels, films, and in the deep love of the people.

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