Farida Hossain: A Reverent Tribute to an Immortal Storyteller on Her Birthday

Md. Kamal Uddin    |    ০৬:৪০ পিএম, ২০২৬-০১-১৮

— Mohammad Kamal Uddin
Some people are born carrying light within them. Even in silence, their presence guides the darkness of time. In Bangla literature, Farida Hossain stands as such a beacon—her writings infused with tenderness, her voice anchored in responsibility, and her life devoted to an unending literary pursuit. The 19th of January, therefore, is not merely a birthday; it is a celebration of a long, uninterrupted journey of Bangla language and literature. Farida Hossain is among those rare writers who, while writing for children, never became childish, and while writing for adults, never forgot the world of children. Her literature does not preach—it sits beside the reader and tells stories. And through those stories, the reader slowly discovers the deeper meanings of life. Born on January 19, 1945, in Kolkata, her roots remain deeply embedded in Shaherkhali village of Mirsharai, Chattogram—a land where soil, people, and history shape lives that are simple yet resilient. Her father, Foyez Ahmed, was an internationally renowned labour leader and former member of the ILO Governing Body, a man shaped by struggle. Her mother, Begum Foyezunnessa, was a quiet pillar of strength. From this convergence emerged Farida Hossain’s humane, composed, and profoundly responsible literary self. Her first short story collection, Ajanta, written during her student years in the 1960s, was more than a debut—it was a promise. Within its restrained language lay the complexities of time, the silent sufferings of people, and the inner worlds of women. Over time, her literary canvas expanded across short stories, novels, plays, essays, and—most significantly—children’s literature. Her works for young readers never impose artificial moral lessons; instead, they open doors to imagination, courage, and human values. Farida Hossain has not only written literature—she has created a literary ecosystem. The little magazine Obinshwar was not merely a publication; it became the first platform of courage for many emerging writers. Countless individuals began to believe in their identity as writers after seeing their names in its pages. She never sought publicity or claimed credit—she worked quietly, letting the work speak for itself. In my own life, Farida Hossain has been a rare source of refuge and inspiration. It was through her that I gained membership in PEN International, opening doors to engagement with writers, thinkers, and literary figures from across the world. Participating under her leadership in the 76th PEN International World Writers’ Congress in Korea in 2012 remains a defining chapter of my literary journey. Standing among Nobel laureates, statesmen, and distinguished writers from around the globe, the confidence we carried was one she instilled in us.
At that congress, PEN Bangladesh earned wide appreciation because Farida Hossain had transformed PEN not merely into an organization, but into a research-oriented literary institution. Under her leadership, Bangla literature was presented to the world with dignity—humble in tone, yet firm in presence. In her personal life, despite belonging to a prominent political family, she never allowed her literary identity to be overshadowed. Her late husband, Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain—repeatedly elected Member of Parliament from Feni—pursued politics while her literary devotion continued alongside, each respecting the other. She demonstrated, without proclamation, that a woman can be a writer, homemaker, organizer, and leader simultaneously. Farida Hossain’s greatest identity is her humanity. There is no arrogance in her, no distance. She stands beside new writers, offers courage, and shows the way. Inspired by her, I have written more than thirty books—a fact I acknowledge with deep gratitude. One cannot truly know Farida Hossain without reading her work. The soft glow of her stories lingers long after the reading ends. She does not aim for instant sensation; she quietly settles into the heart. That, indeed, is the hallmark of timeless literature. On this birthday, it feels not only appropriate but necessary to preserve this towering storyteller through a dedicated publication. For future writers, let Farida Hossain remain a guiding light—her life reminding us that literature is not merely about writing, but about standing beside humanity. On this 19th of January, with profound respect, affection, and gratitude, I wish this remarkable soul good health, long life, and continued creative brilliance. Farida Hossain— a human being, an institution, and an immortal name in Bangla literature.