Summary
Summary:
Zahir Raihan was a prominent filmmaker and an important figure in Bangladesh's history, born on August 19, 1935, in Majupur, Feni district. He actively participated in the Language Movement, protesting on February 21, 1952, which led to his arrest. He was involved in the 1969 mass movement and joined the Liberation War in 1971. His film, Jibon Theke Neya, highlighted the struggle for democracy and was a protest against the then-current government. Raihan donated the film's profits to the Freedom Fighters' trust and created the documentary Stop Genocide to raise awareness about Pakistani atrocities during the war. Tragically, he disappeared while searching for his brother, Shahidullah Kaiser, who had been killed during the war. Raihan's life and work symbolize his dreams for democracy and freedom.
Key Points:
- Zahir Raihan was a talented filmmaker and freedom fighter in Bangladesh.
- Born in 1935, he was an active participant in the Language Movement and was imprisoned for his involvement.
- He made significant contributions to the film industry and the liberation struggle.
- His documentary helped mobilize world support for Bangladesh's independence.
- Raihan disappeared in December 1971 while looking for his missing brother.
A. Look at the picture. He is a great son of our country. Who is he? What do you know about him?
B. Read the text.
Zahir Raihan was one of the most talented film makers in Bangladesh. He was born on 19 August 1935 in the village Majupur in Feni district. He was an active worker of the Language Movement. He was one of the ten students to go out in a procession on 21 February 1952 despite a ban on such activities imposed by the authorities. As a result, he and many others were arrested and taken to prison. Raihan was also present at the historical meeting of Amtala on 21 February 1952. He also took part in the mass movement in 1969. In 1971, he joined the Liberation War.
All through his life, Zahir Raihan dreamt of a democratic society, a society that would ensure freedom of speech. He had many dreams about our film industry too. He made a legendary film Jibon Theke Neya based on the Language Movement of 1952. It was a protest against the autocratic government then ruling our country. The family portrayed in that film symbolically represented East Pakistan. The family was ruled by an autocrat who had to go to prison for her conspiracy. During the Liberation War in 1971, this film was shown outside Bangladesh. Celebrated film makers like Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen, and Ritwik Ghatak appreciated the film. Raihan gave all the money the film made to the Freedom Fighters' trust. Besides, his great documentary on Pakistani atrocities, Stop Genocide, helped create world sentiment in favour of our liberation war.
On 30 December 1971, someone informed Raihan about an address somewhere at Mirpur where he might find his brother, the famous writer Shahidullah Kaiser, who had gone missing from 14 December 1971. Kaiser was captured and killed by the Pakistani army and the local collaborators during the last days of the war. Accordingly, Raihan left home to get his brother back but he never returned. Zahir Raihan's dream was fulfilled. But it's a pity that this dreamer could not live to see his dream come true.
D. Read the following sentences and complete them.
1. Zahir Raihan is famous as.............................................
2. Raihan was imprisoned because..............................................
3. He participated in ....................and...............................................
4. Jibon Theke Neya symbolises..........................
5. He donated............................
6. He worked to organise.....................................by his great documentary Stop Genocide.
7. His disappearance is a great.........................................
E. Work in pairs. Discuss.
1 Why is Zahir Raihan considered a freedom fighter though he was a film maker?
2 How does the title of the lesson fit the story of Zahir Raih
F. Project. Work in groups. Meet a freedom fighter in your locality. Interview him/her. Then write a paragraph on him/her.
