The Name’s Rana, Masud Rana!
Shibli Sadik –
Masud Rana is a fictional character and the protagonist of a series of Bangladeshi spy novels. Created by Qazi Anwar Hussain, the character has appeared in over 400 novels in the Masud Rana series. First published in 1966, this series has been continuing till now. This series has not been extremely popular in Bangladesh only but has also gained a significant following in other parts of South Asia.
Masud Rana is a secret agent working for the Bangladesh Counter Intelligence (BCI), a fictional intelligence agency. Rana is highly skilled in various forms of martial arts and is an expert in the use of weapons and gadgets. He is also highly intelligent and resourceful, able to solve complex problems and outsmart his enemies.
Qazi Anwar Hussain named the character Masud Rana after his lyricist friend Masud Karim, from whom he took the first part of the name. It is not clear exactly how Masud Karim influenced the character, but Hussain likely used his friend’s name as a tribute or homage to him.
Qazi Anwar Hussain was inspired by the historical character Rana Pratap Singh, a 16th-century Rajput ruler who is remembered as a brave and heroic figure in Indian history. Rana Pratap Singh is known for his resistance to the Mughal Empire and his efforts to defend his kingdom of Mewar from invasion.
In creating the character of Masud Rana, Hussain drew on the heroism and bravery of Rana Pratap Singh, imbuing his character with similar qualities. Like Rana Pratap Singh, Masud Rana is a hero who is willing to stand up for what he believes in and fight for his country. He is a beloved and iconic character in the world of Bengali literature and has gained a large and dedicated fan base in Bangladesh and beyond.
It is true that in the early novels of the Masud Rana series, which were written before the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh, the character was depicted as a major in the Pakistan Army and an agent of the Pakistan Counter-Intelligence (PCI) agency. However, after the war and the independence of Bangladesh, the character’s allegiances shifted and he began working as a secret agent for the Bangladesh Counter-Intelligence (BCI), a fictional intelligence agency within the newly independent country.
This change in allegiances reflects the historical events of the time and adds a layer of complexity to the character of Masud Rana. It also allows for the exploration of themes such as loyalty, identity, and the consequences of political upheaval in the series.
Throughout the series, Masud Rana is given a variety of missions that take him all over the world. He has traveled to countries such as the United States, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, among others. In each mission, Rana must use his skills and intelligence to complete his objectives and protect his country from danger.
One of the most notable aspects of the Masud Rana series is how it incorporates real-world events and issues into its storylines. The novels often feature themes such as international terrorism, cyber warfare, and political intrigue, and are known for their realistic and timely portrayal of these topics.
In addition to his work as a spy, Masud Rana is also depicted as a complex and multifaceted character with his struggles and relationships. He is portrayed as a man of strong morals and principles and is often shown to be deeply affected by the events that take place in the novels.
One of the key themes in the Masud Rana series is the concept of loyalty. Rana is fiercely loyal to his country and will stop at nothing to protect it from harm. This loyalty is tested on numerous occasions throughout the series, and Rana is often faced with difficult choices that require him to decide between his interests and the greater good.
Another important theme in the series is the idea of identity. Rana is constantly forced to adopt new identities and go undercover to complete his missions. This can be a challenging and isolating experience for him, as he is often separated from his friends and family and must cut ties with his former life.
Despite the demands of his job, Rana is also shown to be a caring and compassionate person who values relationships and human connection. He has close friendships with his colleagues in the BCI and is shown to have deep feelings for the women in his life.
Besides Rana, some other significant characters will remain evergreen in the reader’s mind. Major General (Retired) Rahat Khan is a retired Major General in the Army and a mentor figure to Masud Rana. He is described as a wise and experienced leader. He provides guidance and support to Rana throughout the series and is a trusted ally to the protagonist. In the novels, Rahat Khan is depicted as a no-nonsense leader who is dedicated to the protection of his country. He is a strong and capable character who is respected by those around him. Despite his serious demeanor, he is also shown to have a sense of humor and is a supportive and caring mentor to Rana. Major General Rahat Khan is an important supporting character in the Masud Rana series and plays a key role in the protagonist’s development and growth as a secret agent.
Kabir Chowdhury is a negative character who appears in several novels in the Masud Rana series. He is a scientist who is involved in nefarious activities and is often at odds with the protagonist, Masud Rana. In the novels, Kabir Chowdhury is depicted as a cunning and intelligent character who is willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goals. He is often involved in schemes to obtain advanced technology or to further his interests and is willing to use violence and manipulation to get what he wants. Despite his negative actions, Kabir Chowdhury is also portrayed as a complex and multifaceted character with his motivations and desires. He is a formidable opponent for Masud Rana and is a key antagonist in the series.
Sohana is a character who appears in several novels in the Masud Rana series. She is a love interest for the protagonist, Masud Rana, and is depicted as a strong and independent woman. In the novels, Sohana is described as being intelligent and confident, with fierce determination and sharp wit. She is not afraid to speak her mind and is a supportive and caring partner to Rana. Despite the demands of Rana’s job as a secret agent, Sohana is shown to be understanding and supportive of his work. She is a key source of emotional support for Rana and helps to keep him grounded as he navigates the dangers and challenges of his missions. Sohana is a well-rounded and complex character who plays a significant role in the Masud Rana series. She is a supportive and loving partner to Rana and is an important presence in his life.
Overall, the Masud Rana series has been extremely successful in Bangladesh and has gained a large and dedicated fan base. The character of Masud Rana is a beloved hero in the country and has become an iconic figure in the world of Bengali literature. The series is known for its fast-paced and action-packed storylines, as well as its realistic portrayal of complex global issues.
