The 85th birth anniversary of late Ekushey Padak-winning playwright, theatre activist and TV actor Momtazuddin Ahmed has been observed on Saturday (Jan 18).
Different organisations chalked out programmes commemorating Momtazuddin's life and works.
Born on Jan 18, 1935, at Bholahat in Chapainawabganj, Momtazuddin completed masters in Bengali literature. In his student days, he joined left politics and played a significant role in the Language Movement and the War of Independence.
He was among the leaders who defied a government ban to commemorate 21 Feb in 1952 by building a makeshift Shaheed Minar at the Rajshahi College Muslim Hostel. He was jailed by the Pakistan governments for his activism several times.
Apart from teaching Bangla, Bangla literature and European drama in several non-government and government colleges for over three decades, he also worked at the National Curriculum and Textbook Board.
Momtazuddin has written numerous plays, novels, articles and columns apart from acting in television and theatre. Most of his directions and writings were staged by his troupe 'Theatre'.
Rabindra Bharati University has included his writings 'Ki Chaho Shankhachil' and 'Raja Onushwarer Pala' in its curriculum.
Momtazuddin received Ekushey Padak in 1997 and Bangla Academy Award in 1976, Shishu Academy Award and many others as recognition to his contribution to Bangla literature and Bangladesh.