Sometimes poets remain unrecognized in life and end up dying unsung only to gain fame in death. The 19th century French poet Charles Baudelaire comes to mind. But not Syed Haq.
Our very own literary titan, Syed Shamsul Haq, who had possessed no magical wand but the pen of a wordsmith that had worked ceaselessly to create many of the finest verses in modern Bangla literature found a place in the Bangla literary scene from the very beginning.
Haq has been riding the crest of fame almost all through his life. And he touched the hearts of literary connoisseurs far and wide.
In death did the poet get the proof of his power over the minds of his fans.
The president of the country led a nation in its outpouring of tribute to arguably the most versatile poet and writer in post-Tagore Bangla literature.
Men, women, children, students, academics, artists, poetry lovers, playwrights, actors, politicians and ordinary people, all came in the hundreds forming the procession of respect at the Central Shaheed Minar to say adieu to a wordsmith, whose verses, lyrics and poetic dramas have found a home in their hearts.
Syed Shamsul Haq, died at 81 on Tuesday evening from lung cancer and was buried yesterday afternoon at the place he was born, Kurigram.
Before that, he was showered with people's outpouring of love and affection for one last time at all the places his coffin-chariot made a halt.
"I bought two roses, one on my behalf and the other on my wife's, from Shahbagh. And placed the flowers at his coffin as our last tribute," said Shafiqul Islam, himself a budding poet, a rickshaw puller in Dhaka.
President Abdul Hamid, Shafiqul Islam and innumerable fans of Haq turned up at the Central Shaheed Minar as proof of the Bangalis' love for poetry, plays and music and their creators. Tribute was paid on behalf of the prime minister as well, who is on a tour of the US and due to come back tomorrow.
Huq's body was taken to the Shaheed Minar around 11:00am, after a brief stop at the Bangla Academy where people from all walks of life had gathered. Later, his body was taken to Dhaka University mosque for his namaj-e-janaza after Zohr prayer.
Earlier, his first namaj-e-janaza was held at Channel-i premises in the morning. Later his body was flown to Kurigram by a helicopter for burial.
The poet was buried beside a mosque at the Kurigram Government College campus following a namaj-e-janaza there attended by thousands of people, reports our Kurigram correspondent.
Writing was his devotion. “If I don't write, I don't feel well,” Haq had once said.
That is why, even when lung cancer overpowered him, Syed Shamsul Haq continued creating verses dictating the words to his family members. The poet's spouse Anwara Syed Haq said yesterday that even in his death bed the poet dictated verses to her.
While addressing the people gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar, the poet's son Ditio Syed-Haq said they will not let those words fade.
“My father was under chemotherapy in his last days. Lying on bed two days ago, he whispered the words to me,” he said. “I've organized those words. I'll have to do something with those words,” he said in a choked voice.
“I've lost my father but I can see the whole country has lost a man. I can't tell you how much honour it is for me to see my father being paid tribute at the Shaheed Minar,” said Ditio.
Rashed Shumon
President Abdul Hamid reached the Shaheed Minar premises around 11:00am and paid his last respect to the writer. He talked to Anwara Syed Haq, Ditio Syed-Haq and the poet's daughter Bidita Sadik and expressed his deep sympathy to the family members.
“Probably none after Rabindranath Tagore was so ambidextrous like Syed Shamsul Haq,” said Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor after paying homage to the writer. He said Haq's contribution in literature will make him immortal.
Terming the poet's death an irreparable loss, cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar said, “A bright star in the literary arena has fallen.”
Haq has shown artistry in every arena of literature, said Majumdar. “None has been so versatile after Rabindranath Tagore,” he said. “His creation will inspire new generations for years to come.”
Haq's friend since his teens, Professor Serajul Islam Chowdhury, a renowned academic, said “He had imagination and creativity. You will find a profusion of these qualities in all of his works.”
The treasure trove of Haq's literary work is varied. His poetry collections include, among others, Ekoda Ek Rajje, Boishekhe Rochito Ponktimala, Birotihin Utsob, Protidhonigon, Opor Purush, and Kobita Samagra.
Syed Shamsul Haq wrote innumerable poetry, fiction, plays (mostly in verse), and essays. He worked on around 40 film scripts and penned 200 songs for movies and in the patriotic genre. His literary works are included in the curriculum of junior school, secondary, higher secondary, and graduate level Bangla literature.
His plays - Payer Awaj Paoa Jay, Nuruldiner Sara Jibon, Ekhane Ekhon, Ganonayaka, Eersha, Narigon, Khatta Tamasha, Judhha ebong Judhha, and novels Neel Dangshon, Smritimedh, Ek Mutho Janmabhumi, Ayna Bibir Pala, Megh O Machine and Khelaram Khele Ja, among others have inspired generations.
Syed Shamsul Haq is also credited for introducing the Bangali audience to some of the great plays of world literature with his translation work, which include, among others, Shakespeare's Macbeth, Tempest, Julius Caesar, Troilus and Cresida and Ibsen's Pyr Gynt.
He had won every major award there was in the field of literature in the country including National Poetry Honour (2001), Independence Award (2000), National Poetry Award (1997), Nasiruddin Gold Medal (1990), and TENAS Medal (1990), Padabali Kabita Award (1987), Literary Award of the Association of Women Writers, Jebunnessa-Mahbubullah Gold Medal (1985), Ekushey Padak (1984), Alaol Literary Award (1983), Kabitalap Award (1983), Alakta Gold Medal (1982), Adamjee Literary Award (1969), and Bangla Academy Award (1966).