January 27 marked the 10th death anniversary of cultural leader Waheedul Haque. Marking this day Kanthashilon organised a memorial programme at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital. Poet Habibullah Siraji read out the keynote of the event while noting that Waheedul Haque had a unique way of making friendships in which every person he came into contact with considered themselves to be special for his life. Noted elocutionist Golam Sarwar's drama "Mohiyoshi Rokeya" on Begum Rokeya, another founder of Kanthoshilon apart from Waheedul Haque was staged after the discussion session.
Cultural personality, socio-political activist, journalist and musicologist Waheedul Haque was born on March 16, 1933 at Bhawal Monoharia village in Keraniganj, Dhaka. He is the founder of Chhayanaut (1961). He also founded Kanthashilon, Nalonda, Anandadhani, Fulki, Bratochari Samity, Bashanto Utsab Udjapon Parishad, Jatiya Rabindra Sangeet Sammilon Parishad. He was active in the film industry during the 60s and composed music for Indian movie Titash Ekti Nadir Naam directed by Ritwik Ghatak.
Waheedul's father was a member of Bengal legislative assembly in 1946. His brother Rezaul Haq is a journalist. Ziaul Haq, another brother of his was a martyr in 1971.
During his fifty-five years long career in journalism Waheedul served in a number of major English dailies of Bangladesh including the Daily Observer in the 60s and The Daily Star. He was also engaged as freelance contributor for newspapers like Bhorer Kagoj, Janakantha. He received the Ekushey Padak for music and Shadhinata Padak for culture posthumously in 2008 and 2010. He also taught at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) as a part-time teacher.
Waheedul was also a pioneer in spreading secular spirit in the country. During the Hindu-Muslim riots in the 50s, he was there beside the minorities and always resisted the communal force.
Although he was an ardent exponent of Tagore songs he was very reluctant to bring out an album by himself. Bengal Foundation released one of his solo albums.
Waheedul died on January 27, 2007 from pneumonia, lungs and kidney complications.
