Dhaka, Sept. 3 -- The nearly silent exit of novelist Rahat Khan (1940-2020) from this colourful world which he loved so much is baffling. He belonged to that group of persons who would like to enjoy every moment of survival. But he was not a hedonist. He was also not indiscriminate in his choice of friends and acquaintances. All along his profession of journalism, and a stint in teaching, Rahat Khan proved his high level of taste. He used to maintain a sharp sense of balance and discipline. During the middle part of his writing career, Khan emerged as one of the most highly admired writers of the country.

For reasons known best to him, during this peak period of his literary career, 1990s to be precise, Rahat Khan began showing signs fat...