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Zahir Raihan Passage

Zahir Raihan was a prominent Bangladeshi filmmaker born on August 19, 1935, who actively participated in the Language Movement and the Liberation War. His notable works include the film Jibon Theke Neya, which symbolized the struggle against autocracy, and the documentary Stop Genocide, which aimed to garner international support for Bangladesh's independence. Raihan's dedication to his country and his dreams for a democratic society ultimately led to his disappearance while searching for his brother during the war.

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680 views2 pages

Zahir Raihan Passage

Zahir Raihan was a prominent Bangladeshi filmmaker born on August 19, 1935, who actively participated in the Language Movement and the Liberation War. His notable works include the film Jibon Theke Neya, which symbolized the struggle against autocracy, and the documentary Stop Genocide, which aimed to garner international support for Bangladesh's independence. Raihan's dedication to his country and his dreams for a democratic society ultimately led to his disappearance while searching for his brother during the war.

Uploaded by

Imran Hosen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Subject: English

Unit–10 | Lesson–4(B)
Topic: Zahir Raihan

Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:

Zahir Raihan was one of the most talented film-makers in Bangladesh. He was born on 19
August 1935 in the village Majupur in Feni district. He was an active worker of the Language
Movement and was one of the ten students to go out in a procession on 21 February 1952,
defying a government ban. As a result, he and many others were arrested. Raihan was also
present at the historical meeting of Amtala on that day and later took part in the Mass
Movement in 1969. In 1971, he joined the Liberation War.

Zahir dreamt of a democratic society where freedom of speech would be ensured. He also had
many dreams about the film industry. His legendary film Jibon Theke Neya was based on the
Language Movement. It was a protest against the then autocratic government. The family
portrayed in the film symbolized East Pakistan. The ruling figure of the family, an autocratic
woman, is sent to prison for her conspiracies.

During the war, his documentary Stop Genocide was used to raise international support for the
Liberation War. Renowned film-makers such as Satyajit Ray appreciated his work. On 30
December 1971, Zahir went to Mirpur looking for his missing brother, the writer Shahidullah
Kaiser, who had been captured by Pakistani forces. Zahir Raihan never returned. Though he did
not live to see it, his dream of a free country was fulfilled.

Answer the following questions by choosing the correct option.

(Each question carries 1 mark)

1. What does the family in the film Jibon Theke Neya symbolically represent?
(a) West Pakistan (b) The film industry
(c) East Pakistan (d) Zahir’s personal life

2. What was the purpose of the documentary Stop Genocide?


(a) To show the Language Movement
(b) To entertain the people
(c) To expose Pakistani atrocities and build global support
(d) To portray Shahidullah Kaiser’s life

3. What was Zahir Raihan’s ultimate dream?


(a) To become a politician
(b) To become a famous novelist
(c) To build a film industry only
(d) To see a democratic society with freedom of speech

4. What was the fate of the autocratic character in Jibon Theke Neya?
(a) She ran away
(b) She was sent abroad
(c) She was sent to prison
(d) She became president

5. Which event led Raihan to go to Mirpur on 30 December 1971?


(a) An invitation to a meeting
(b) A rumor about his film
(c) Information about his missing brother
(d) A protest rally

6. Zahir Raihan was present at the historical meeting of —


(a) Suhrawardy Udyan (b) Amtala
(c) Shaheed Minar (d) Mirpur Stadium

7. Which quality of Zahir Raihan is shown through his actions and works?
(a) Greed (b) Cowardice
(c)Patriotism (d) Selfishness

Part B: Creative Questions (CQ)

1. How did Zahir Raihan contribute to the Language Movement and the Liberation War of
Bangladesh? Explain briefly.

2. "Zahir Raihan was a dreamer." — Explain this statement in the context of his life and works.

3. Discuss the symbolic meaning of the family depicted in Jibon Theke Neya.

4. Describe the significance of Stop Genocide during the Liberation War. Why was it important
internationally?

5. What personal sacrifice did Zahir Raihan make in search of his brother? What does this tell
us about his character?

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