Filmmaker Raihan Rafi and veteran journalist Alimuzzaman are set to receive the prestigious Fazlul Haque Memorial Award this year, as confirmed by organizers on Saturday. The award, established in memory of the esteemed film journalist Fazlul Haque, will be bestowed on October 26 to commemorate his passing.
Fazlul Haque, a revered figure known as the pioneer of film journalism in Bangladesh, served as the editor of the country’s inaugural cinema magazine “Cinema” and directed the influential children’s film “President”. To honor his remarkable legacy, the award was established in 2004 by renowned author Rabeya Khatun. Annually, it highlights exceptional contributions in filmmaking and film journalism, presenting recipients with a cash prize, certificate, and crest.
Amirul Islam, the general secretary of the award committee, emphasized, “The Fazlul Haque Memorial Award is not merely an accolade but a tribute to the individual who provided Bangladeshi cinema with its first structured platform.”
Since its inception two decades ago, the award has recognized numerous prominent personalities in the realms of film and culture, such as Saidul Anam Tutul, Chashi Nazrul Islam, Humayun Ahmed, Subhash Dutta, Amjad Hossain, Nasiruddin Yousuff, Razzak, Syed Salahuddin Zaki, Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, Kohinoor Akhtar Suchanda, Alamgir, Kazi Hayat, Gias Uddin Selim, and Alauddin Majid.
This year, the spotlight shines on two contemporary talents—Raihan Rafi, whose films have attracted a younger audience to cinemas, and Alimuzzaman, an experienced film journalist with a career spanning decades.