A government-affiliated research platform has withdrawn an AI-based writing competition focused on Himu, a popular fictional character created by the late Bangladeshi novelist Humayun Ahmed, following objections from his family over the unauthorized use of the character.
Brain Lab, a research platform under the government’s ICT Division, announced the competition on its Facebook page on September 20 with the theme “AI Himu.” The campaign invited participants to use artificial intelligence to write stories, including those centered on Himu.
The announcement offered two categories: Himu-based stories and open-topic stories. Participants could use AI to develop ideas and writing style, acknowledge AI as a co-author, and were required to explain how they used AI in their submissions.
The deadline was set for October 30, 2026. The post included Brain Lab’s website, an email address, and a contact number for inquiries. According to screenshots reviewed by Times of Bangladesh, the announcement was widely shared within hours.
The initiative quickly drew the attention of filmmaker Nuhash Humayun, son of Humayun Ahmed.
Shortly after midnight on September 21, Nuhash shared the announcement on his verified Facebook account, writing: “So apparently the government’s ICT division is hosting an ‘AI Himu’ competition without taking any consent? So lame.”
He also inquired about the appropriate contact for this issue.
Nuhash later commented under Brain Lab’s original post, calling the use of Himu in an AI competition without permission from Humayun Ahmed’s estate “deplorable.” He requested that Brain Lab delete the announcement and warned that the family would consider legal action if it was not removed.
When contacted by Times of Bangladesh, Nuhash expressed strong dissatisfaction with the initiative and confirmed that Humayun Ahmed’s family had not granted permission to use Himu. He stated the family will pursue legal action if the announcement is not withdrawn.
Hours later, Brain Lab removed the original competition announcement and posted a brief notice stating that the AI-assisted story-writing competition and related post had been canceled for “special reasons.” No further explanation was provided.
Times of Bangladesh also contacted Brain Lab at the phone number listed in the competition announcement, but the organisation declined to comment.
However, the competition itself did not end.
Later on September 21, a revised version was announced under a new title, “AI Diye Bangla Golpo” or “Bangla Stories with AI.” The new announcement removed all references to Himu, including the Himu-specific story category and related visuals.
Under the revised rules, participants may submit stories on any subject, use AI for ideas and language, and acknowledge AI as a co-author. Stories must not exceed 1,500 words, and the October 30 deadline remains unchanged. Selected writers will receive prizes, and shortlisted stories are expected to be published in an anthology.
Brain Lab describes itself as the research and experimentation wing of the Enhancement of Bengali Language in ICT through Research and Development (EBLICT) project, an initiative of the Bangladesh Computer Council under the ICT Division.
Himu remains one of Humayun Ahmed’s most recognisable creations, known to generations of readers for his yellow panjabi, barefoot wanderings, and unconventional outlook on life.
The revised competition continues the broader AI writing experiment, but no longer includes Himu.
