Eminent Bangladeshi author Romena Afaz died on June 12, 2003. Today marks her 18th death anniversary. For the young Bengali readers, she was best known for her creation: Doshyo Bonhur (Bandit Bonhur).
Romena Afaz was born on December 27, 1926 in Sherpur city of Bogra. She started writing at the age of 9. Her first poem was published in the monthly Mohammadi of Calcutta (now Kolkata) under the title 'Banglar Chashi' (Peasant of Bengal).
As a child, Romena visited various places in British India with her father Qazem Uddin Ahmed, who was a police inspector. She learnt about the myriads of cultures during these visits, which stayed with her and influenced her works in later life. Her mother Asiya Khatoon was an ardent enthusiast of Literature. She was the guiding Light for young Romena, who inspired her to taking up writing.
Later she wrote a number of short stories, poems, juvenile novels, social novels, detective and mystery series. Many of her short stories were published in various newspapers.
The adventure-thriller series 'Doshyo Bonhur' written by Romena Afaz became very popular, especially among the youth. Her creation of the fictional character ‘Bandit Bonhur’ became celebrated in the world of the Bangla adventure fiction genre, who just like Robin Hood took from the rich and gave to the poor. This gave her hero a distinctive personality who strived to reduce wealth disparity, while solving crimes on his way. She also wrote Doshyo Rani series which illustrates the adventurous tales of a female robber named ‘Doshyo Rani’ (Bandit Rani).
Romena Afaz contributed more than 250 works to Bengali Literature. Eight of her works were made films - Paper Boat, Candle Light, Mayar Sansar, Madhumita, Matir Manush and Doshyu Bonhur.
She was awarded the 'Swadhinata Purashkar' posthumously in 2010, the highest civilian award in Bangladesh, for her outstanding contribution to Art and Literature. She was also honoured with other accolades such as: Begum Rokeya Memorial Award (2000), Ekushey Padak (2003), and several other awards.
She was laid to eternal rest in Bogura.
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