Syed Shamsul Haque and Rabeya Khatun

Eminent litterateurs Rabeya Khatun and Syed Shamsul Haque turn 74 today (December 27).
On the occasion, a programme will be held at a city hotel in the evening. Noted litterateurs, including editor of the monthly 'Begum', Nurjahan Begum and journalists will be present at the programme.
Born in Bikrampur in 1935, Rabeya Khatun's first story "Prashno" was published in the weekly 'Juger Dabi' and her first novel was "Madhumati".
She was the editor of the monthly 'Angana'. Rabeya Khatun also wrote for the daily Ittefaq and several cine magazines.
She has written over 100 books in different genres of literature that include essays, novels, research, short stories, religious history, travelogues and more.
Many of her works were later adapted for television and cinema.
Rabeya Khatun has won numerous awards for her contribution to Bengali literature, including Ekushey Padak in 1993, Bangla Academy Puroshkar in 1973, Nasiruddin Swarna Padak in 1995, Humayan Smrity Puroshkar in 1989, Kamar Mushtaree Shahitya Puroshkar in 1994, Bangladesh Lekhika Sangha Puroshkar in 1994, Sher-e-Bangla Swarna Padak in 1996 and Wrishiz Shahitya Padak in 1998.
An accomplished short story writer, novelist, playwright and a very popular poet, Syed Shamsul Haque was born in 1935 in Kurigram. A recipient of several prestigious awards including Bangla Academy Padak (1966), Ekushey Padak (1984) and Swadhinata Padak (2000), Syed Shamsul Haque is regarded as one of the most important figures in contemporary Bengali literature. His major works include, "Payer Awaaj Pawa Jai," "Nurul Diner Shara Jibon," "Khelaram Kheley Ja," "Nishiddho Loban," "Kobita Shamogro" (Collected Poems) in three volumes and more.