Acclaimed writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed excelled in every creative field he ventured into. Beyond his novels, his television dramas and films earned immense admiration from audiences. He was the creator of beloved dramas such as ‘Aaj Robibar’, ‘Kothao Keu Nei’, Ure Jay Bokpokkhi’ and films including ‘Aguner Poroshmoni’, ‘Srabon Megher Din’ and ‘Dui Duari’.
Several other films such as ‘Abdar’, ‘Shonkhonil Karagar’, ‘Daruchini Dwip’, ‘Nondito Noroke’, ‘Nirontor’, ‘Priyotomeshu’, ‘Durutto’, ‘Anil Bagchir Ekdin’, and ‘Debi’ have also been produced based on his stories.
However, in recent years, the production of dramas and films inspired by his works has noticeably declined. Allegations have surfaced that Humayun Ahmed’s family members are creating obstacles in granting production rights.
Renowned director Amitabh Reza, considered one of the leading filmmakers of his generation, received a government grant of Tk 6 million in 2020–21 to adapt Humayun Ahmed’s novel ‘Pencile Aka Pori’.
Amitabh said he had obtained written permission from the author’s family before submitting the script for the grant. Yet, he later announced that he would not proceed with the film, explaining that the board of trustees, comprising Humayun Ahmed’s wife and children, had demanded a large fee for the story as well as a share of the profits from the film’s release.
Similarly, on the occasion of Humayun Ahmed’s death anniversary, actor Faruk Ahmed stated in an interview with The TIMES of Bangladesh on July 13 that he had wanted to make a drama based on Humayun Ahmed’s story ‘Ayna’.
“I wasn’t given permission,” he said. “I had already written several scenes. I believe I would have done justice as a director. If I get permission in the future, I’ll make it.”
So, is it really that difficult to obtain copyright permission for Humayun Ahmed’s stories and novels? What does his family have to say?
After Humayun Ahmed’s passing, all members of his family, including his wife Meher Afroz Shaon, his children and his siblings, jointly took responsibility for managing the copyrights to his works.
Responding to claims of refusal, his son Nuhash Humayun said, “If you want to adapt a writer’s work, you need permission. Since the writer is no longer with us, you now need the family’s consent. As a family, we have never put up any obstacles.”
Addressing allegations that the family demands excessive fees or imposes strict conditions, Nuhash added, “That’s not true at all. The problem is that some people start projects without consulting us. In our country, copyright isn’t taken seriously.”
On the Amitabh Reza issue, Nuhash clarified, “He initially informed us that he planned to submit ‘Pencile Aka Pori’ for a government grant and asked if we had any objections. We said no, because I’m familiar with his work and have even collaborated with him before.
“After he received the grant, the discussion turned to financial matters. He then made public statements without properly consulting us. He could have made the film even without paying a large sum. The claim that we demanded excessive money is not accurate.”
Recently, director Tanim Noor obtained permission to adapt the novel ‘Khichukkhon’. Nuhash questioned, “If the permission process is supposedly so difficult, how did Tanim get it? He approached us directly, explained what he could and couldn’t do and since he was straightforward, everything was resolved easily. When someone complicates the discussion, naturally, it becomes complicated.”
