Legendary filmmaker and writer Zahir Raihan (August 19, 1935 – January 30, 1972) left an indelible mark on Bangladeshi literature and cinema in his short life of just 36 years. He was not only a filmmaker but also a journalist, editor, writer, producer, cinematographer, scriptwriter, and a political activist. A dedicated leftist, a brave participant in the Language Movement, and a freedom fighter during the Liberation War, Raihan’s contributions spanned multiple fields.
His film The Glass Wall (1963) won him the Best Director award and went on to receive eight awards, including four in the top categories. Raihan’s passion for storytelling and cinema was evident from the very beginning, and he once confessed that he had always dreamed of becoming a cameraman.
During the Liberation War, Raihan moved to Kolkata to participate actively in the fight for Bangladesh’s independence. He played a crucial role in shaping public opinion in favor of the war through his creative works. His documentary Stop Genocide remains a timeless record of the Liberation War and won recognition at the Tashkent International Film Festival in 1972.
After Bangladesh achieved independence, Raihan returned to Dhaka, only to learn that his elder brother Shahidullah Kaiser had been missing since December 14, 1971. While searching for his brother on January 30, 1972, in Mirpur, Dhaka, Zahir Raihan tragically lost his life, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.