Shariatpur:The Naria Upazila administration has initiated a series of month-long programmes to commemorate the birth centenary of celebrated Bangla novelist Abu Ishaque, who hailed from the upazila.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the festivities commenced today and will continue until November 30. The inaugural event, held at the Naria Upazila Parishad Hallroom, included the unveiling of a logo and mascot, the publication of a commemorative souvenir, a tree plantation, and a doa mahfil.
Shariatpur-2 lawmaker Shafiqul Rahman Kiran attended as the chief guest, with Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Abdul Qayyum Khan presiding over the event. Kiran announced his personal commitment to finance a mural of the novelist. Additionally, a library and auditorium will be constructed at Abu Ishaque's residence with government funding.
As part of the celebration, each of Naria's 131 government primary schools will have a room named and decorated in honor of the novelist by November 5. The programme also includes wall magazines, exhibitions, storytelling sessions, traditional sports, folk literature recitations, and book fairs.
A cultural programme, stage drama, and road sign installation are slated for November 29, with a closing ceremony and prize distribution planned for November 30. Born on November 1, 1926, in Shiringal village of Naria, Abu Ishaque is renowned for his novel "Surjo-Dighal Bari" and has been honored with the Bangla Academy Literary Award, Ekushey Padak, and Independence Award. He passed away on February 16, 2003.