Romena Afaz

Romena Afaz (1926 - 2003) was a adventure-thriller writer from Bangladesh. She is famous for her acclaimed adventure-thriller series Doshyo Bonhur (Robber Banhur).[1] This series was the main attraction for the rural in former East Pakistan and present Bangladesh who used to spend their leisure hours with the fantastic stories of Banhur’s many adventures.

Life

Afaz was born on 27 December 1926 in a Muslim family in the city of Sherpur, Bogra, Bangladesh.[2] Her father Qazem Uddin Ahmed was a Police Inspector. Her mother Asyia Khatoon was a devotee of literature. Romena Afaz experienced with various cultures in her early age when she visited many places in British India with her father. She got inspiration for her literary carrier from her parent especially from her mother which led her to produce popular adventure thriller series Dashyo Bonhur. She was married to a renowned social activist and founder of Demajani High School Dr. Afaz Ullah Sarkar of Foolkot, Bogra at the age of 13 only. A successful Mother of 7 sons and 2 daughters Romena Afaz died on 12 June 2003 in Joleshworitala, Bogra. She was buried in the graveyard of Bhaipagla Majar Mosque.

Works

Only at the age of 9, Romena Afaz became a writer with her first literary work Banglar Chashi (Peasant of Bengal)- a rhyme published in the popular monthly Mohammady from Calcutta during the British period. After that she continued with her endeavor and wrote innumerable stories, poems, articles, novels, and adventure - thriller series Dashyo Bonhur. She also wrote Doshyo Rani Series which depict the adventure stories of a female robber Doshyo Rani.

Some of her books have been translated into English. About 250 books by Romena Afaz so far have been published by many publishers.[3] Some of her books are: Dosshyo Banhur series, novels- Alok Roshmi, Kagojer Nauka, Dhushor Prithibi, Shesh Milon, Desher Meye, Ghoorni Haoa, Sagar Saikote, Lekhoker Shwopno, Rokte Anka Map, Mandigorer Bari, Momer Alo, Mayar Sangsar, Modhumita, Matir Manush etc.

Movies

Many cinema movies also have been made based on her novels. She epitomized the inspiration of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hussain who was the symbol of female education and freedom of women in Bengali Muslim society in the undivided Bengal. Some cinema movies have been made based on Romena Afaz's popular novels Like– Kagojer Naoka, Moomer Alo, Mayar Sangsar, Modhumita, Matir Manush, and Doshyo Banhur.

Achievement

Besides her literary carrier Romena Afaz was busy with various social activities and connected with 37 social and welfare organizations. She was the Chairperson of Jatio Mohila Sangstha, Bogra, Chairperson of Sammilito Mahila Tran Samiti, Bogra, Vice Chairperson of Bangladesh Jatio Krida Songstha, Bogra; Vice Chairperson of Jilla Sahitto Sangsad,Bogra,Lifelong Advisor and Patron of Thengamara Mohila Sabuj Sangho,Bogra; Advisor of Shishu Academy, Bogra; Advisor of Bangladesh Writer’s Forum, Bogra etc.

Romena Afaz was awarded Bangladesh’s highest national award Shadhinota Purushkar (Posthumous) in 2010 for her everlasting contribution to Bengali literature.[4] She was also awarded 26 other honors and prizes from many organizations some of which are: Begum Rokeya Sworno Padak-2000 (Gold medal) from Nari Bikash Unnoyon Sangstha, Ekushey Padak-2003 from Bangladesh Writers Forum, Nari Mukti Andoloner Agrodooth Swarno Padak-2006 (Posthumous) from Gono Unnoyon Gronthagar Nari Forum etc.

To immortalize her memory Romena Afaz Smriti Parishod, Romena Afaz Library, Romena Afaz Kollan Trust etc. have been established in Bogra. Romena Afaz Road in the city of Bogra has been named after her.

References

  1. ↑ Kabir, Ihtisham (8 September 2012). "Great Detectives". The Daily Star. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  2. ↑ "Romena Afaz’s 89th birth anniv today". New Age. 27 December 2015. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  3. ↑ "In Her Words: Inspirational Women Writers and Poets". The Daily Star. 30 May 2015. Archived from the original on 24 March 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  4. ↑ "Independence award 2010 announced". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). 19 March 2010. Archived from the original on 9 April 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
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