Humayun Azad

Dr. Humayun Azad is a prolific writer and scholar of Bangladesh. He is basically a critic and produced qualitative works on poetry and literature. He is also a teacher at the University of Dhaka. He is well known for his fearless practice of free thinking and open criticism of Islam and Muslims.

On 27 February 2004 he came under a vicious attack by unidentified assailants following the publication of a novel titled "Pak Sar Jamin Saad Baad". In this novel he tried to expose the attitudes and activities of the Islamists and the nationalists in Bangladesh. He simulated a scenario that vividly portrayed fanatic and barbaric nature of these groups.

Islamists in Bangladesh feared that his article would injure the sentiments of the majority and create anxiety in the society. They demanded that his article should be banned and a blasphemy law should be passed so that no such things occur in future. Though they condemned the assassination attempt, they maintained the line that blasphemous acts cannot be tolerated.

Police arrested 2 in connection to this assassination attempt. Ironically both of them are members of the Awami League which was outspoken to criticise Islamist for such an act.

Dr. Azad received special treatment in CMH, Dhaka. He is now in Singapore for further improvement of his critically damaged face. He hopes to continue his writings against the rise of Islamists in Bangladesh.