The 179th birth anniversary of Mir Mosharraf Hossain, an immortal novelist of Bengali literature, has been celebrated through various events in Kumarkhali of Kushtia.
Events marking the occasion included Lathi Khela (Stick Fighting), a discussion meeting, and a cultural programme at the novelist’s ancestral home in Lahinipara under Chapra union on Friday afternoon.
Chaired by Kumarkhali upazila nirbahi officer Md Raisul Islam, the event was attended by Kushtia District Council administrator freedom fighter Principal Sohrab Uddin, District BNP convener Kutub Uddin, Additional Superintendent of Police Pranab Kumar Sarkar, and Kushtia Government College Bengali Department Assistant Professor Mir Mahbubur Sadik, as well as teachers and students from various educational institutions and Shilpakala Academy.
Literary works and ideals of Mir Mosharraf Hossain must be presented to the new generation. He will remain forever memorable in Bengali literature and the history of the Bengali nation through the study of his creations and contributions, speakers at the discussion meeting said.
Meanwhile, a rural fair has begun at the poet’s ancestral home surrounding the birth anniversary celebrations. Stalls featuring a wide range of products have been set up at the fair. The entire area has become vibrant with the presence of local residents as well as visitors coming from near and far. A festive atmosphere has covered the entire the fair. As this year’s event has been organised on a larger scale than in the past, extra enthusiasm and excitement have been seen among the locals.
Mir Mosharraf Hossain was born on 13 November, 1847 in Lahinipara of Kumarkhali upazila in Kushtia. He is known as the first successful Muslim novelist in Bengali literature. Alongside contributing to literature, he also worked in journalism and editing. His novel ‘Rotnoboti’, written in 1869, created a widespread stir. Later, his 1885 novel Bishad Sindhu earned him immortality in Bengali literature. Among his plays, his plays ‘Basantakumari’ and ‘Zamindar Darpan’ hold a special place in Bengali literature.
