Kazi remains creator of ‘Masud Rana’, Hakim credited as author of 260 books

Sheikh Abdul Hakim lodged a complaint with the Bangladesh Copyright Office claiming to be the author of the thriller series 'Masud Rana' that had charmed many generations over the years. Abdul Hakim claimed 260 novels from the ‘Masud Rana’ series and 50 novels from the detective series ‘Kuasha’ were written by him. The matter remained unsolved until the author filed the same complaint last year.

After a year-long investigation, the copyright office granted the verdict in favour of Sheikh Abdul Hakim.

As a result, Abdul Hakim will get the royalty as author of 260 books of 'Masud Rana' series and 50 books of 'Kuasha' series.

Masud Rana series fans know Kazi Anwar Hossain as the author of the popular thriller series. He authored only 18 books of the series while the following 260 books were written by Sheikh Abdul Hakim. He did not have copyright in any of the books, though. Similarly, Abdul Hakim wrote 50 books for another popular thriller series 'Kuasha' of Sheba Prokashoni, that were published under the banner of Kazi Anwar Hossain as its author.

On 29 July last year, Abdul Hakim filed a complaint against Kazi Anwar Hossain, the owner of Sheba Prokashoni, claiming copyright of 260 books in the ‘Masud Rana’ series and 50 books in the ‘Kuasha’ series. The verdict was given yesterday after a hearing.

The judgment said for fair settlement and justice, the respondent was instructed to refrain from publishing the listed books or engaging in commercial activities until further notice from the copyright board or the court. In addition, the respondent has been directed to submit the copies of the published books and the number of copies sold and the statement of sale price to the Bangladesh Copyright Office within 30 days after the issuance of this order.

Zafar Raja Chowdhury, registrar of the Bangladesh Copyright Office, told Prothom Alo that the hearing was held following the complaint by Sheikh Abdul Hakim lodged on 29 July 2019.

Zafar Raja said Anwar Hossain can appeal against the verdict within 90 days if he wants. He can also appeal to the High Court if he loses.

The registrar also said that Kazi Anwar Hossain is the author of the first 20 books of the series.

Besides, being the inventor of the idea of Masud Rana, Kazi Anwar Hossain will remain the initiator of the timeless popular thriller, he added.

Expressing his joy, Sheikh Abdul Hakim said, "Even during this disaster, the news gave me great joy. I am happy for the recognition.”

Prothom Alo could not contact anyone at the Sheba Prokashoni for comment regarding the issue.