March 25 is a day of mourning for me: Faruque Ahmed

Actor Faruque Ahmed, widely known for his work in numerous dramas and films by Humayun Ahmed, has chosen not to celebrate his birthday, which falls on March 25.

Despite receiving warm wishes from admirers, the actor says he has never marked the day with celebrations. “I grew up in a family where birthdays were not observed. My father was a teacher, and there was no such tradition in our household,” he said.

He added that public recognition came much later in life, after he gained popularity as an actor. “Now I receive greetings from many people, including my wife and daughter. But I have never celebrated the day in a festive way,” he noted.

Faruque Ahmed said his decision is also influenced by the significance of March 25 as Genocide Day. “On this day in 1971, unarmed Bengalis were attacked and killed. Out of respect, I do not feel like celebrating my birthday,” he said.

Recalling his memories of 1971, the actor said his family lived in Mohammadpur at the time before moving to Old Dhaka. “On the night of March 25, we heard continuous gunfire. We spent the entire night hiding under a bed,” he said.

He added that the family later fled to Keraniganj during a brief curfew break, taking nearly two and a half days to reach their village home with little food.

“Those memories still stay with me. They remind me why I choose not to celebrate this day,” he said.