Today, Bangladesh has said goodbye to one of its most cherished storytellers. Rakib Hasan, the creative force behind “Tin Goyenda,” has passed away, leaving a significant void in the hearts of numerous readers who grew up immersed in the adventures of Kishore, Musa, and Robin.
As per Masuma Maimur from Sheba Prokashoni, Hasan passed away suddenly during dialysis when his heart ceased beating. The news quickly spread through social media and literary circles, evoking waves of sorrow and nostalgia. For many, Hasan was not just an author but a lifelong companion whose tales resonated from childhood through adulthood.
During the chilly afternoons of teenage winters, many of us would snug under blankets on school breaks or sneak a flashlight beneath the covers to read just one more page of “Tin Goyenda.”
At that time, the series was not merely a collection of books but an obsession. Almost every teenager seemed engrossed in it, familiar with the names Kishore, Musa, and Robin as if they were personal friends, secret partners in adventure. And behind these unforgettable characters stood Rakib Hasan, the storyteller who instilled a belief in a generation that mystery could be found right around the corner.
Born on December 12, 1950, in Cumilla, Rakib Hasan spent his early years in Feni due to his father’s government job transfers. He completed his schooling in Feni before pursuing further studies at Cumilla Victoria College. Despite dabbling in various jobs that required routine tasks and paperwork, his true passion lay in writing, prompting him to pursue his calling.
His writing career took off at Sheba Prokashoni, a publishing house that revolutionized popular fiction in Bangladesh. Initially involved in translating renowned global classics into Bengali to make them accessible to local readers, Hasan later ventured into creating his own worlds, characters, and eventually, his own legacy.
Over his lifetime, Rakib Hasan authored over 400 books, introducing series like “Tarzan,” “Detective Raju,” and “Reza-Suja.” Each work carried his distinctive flair for adventure and appeal, but none captured hearts and minds like “Tin Goyenda.”
Debuting in 1985, the “Tin Goyenda” series drew inspiration from Robert Arthur’s “The Three Investigators,” but Hasan’s touch transformed it into something entirely unique. He didn’t merely translate Western mysteries; he reshaped them. Under his pen, the American backdrop metamorphosed into a distinctly Bangladeshi setting, infused with local humor, fears, and the essence of youth.
Somewhere, a teenager still opens a worn “Tin Goyenda” paperback. Though the ink may have faded, the excitement endures. In that moment, Rakib Hasan is revived—through every mystery unraveled and every pulse that quickens at the turn of a page.