Famous Bangladeshi Writers

Kazi Nazrul Islam was a prolific Bengali poet, writer, journalist, and musician. He produced a large body of poetry, music, novels, and stories with themes of equality, justice, anti-imperialism, rebellion against oppression, and religious devotion. Nazrul was known for his activism for political and social justice, earning him the title of "Rebel Poet." He introduced the avant-garde music genre of Nazrul Gīti and composed nearly 4,000 songs. His nationalist activism in the Indian independence movement led to frequent imprisonment by British authorities.

Humayun Ahmed was a versatile Bangladeshi novelist, dramatist, screenwriter, filmmaker, songwriter, scholar, and academic. He rose to prominence with his debut novel "Nondito Noroke" in 1972 and went on to write over 200 fiction and non-fiction books. As a filmmaker, he directed eight films based on his novels, including acclaimed works like "Daruchini Dip" and "Shyamol Chhaya." He is renowned for his contributions to modern Bengali literature, characterized by non-violence, family drama, and humor. Ahmed's impact on Bangladeshi culture earned him titles like the "Shakespeare of Bangladesh" and recognition for shifting the literary capital from Kolkata to Dhaka.

Muhammed Zafar Iqbal is a prominent Bangladeshi science fiction author, physicist, academic, and activist. He has served as a professor of Computer Science and Engineering and head of the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST). With a PhD from the University of Washington, he accumulated 18 years of experience as a scientist at California Institute of Technology and Bell Communications Research before returning to Bangladesh. He retired from teaching in October 2018 and is widely recognized as one of Bangladesh's leading science fiction writers.

Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah was a prominent Bangladeshi poet known for his revolutionary and romantic poetry. He gained recognition as one of the leading Bengali poets of the 1970s and received accolades such as the Munir Chaudhury Memorial Award. His song "ভালো আছি ভালো থেকো" (Bhālō āchi bhālō thēkō) became popular and was featured in Bengali movies and television dramas. In 2023, a collection of his selected poems was translated into English as 'Ruddro and Beyond' by Nadira Bhabna.

Jasimuddin, also known as Palli Kabi, was a prominent Bangladeshi poet, lyricist, composer, and writer known for his modern ballad sagas in the pastoral style. He played a key role in reviving pastoral literature in Bengal during the 20th century. Jasimuddin's literary versatility was evident in his works, which included poems, ballads, songs, dramas, novels, stories, memoirs, and travelogues. He had a distinguished career, working as a research fellow at Calcutta University, teaching at the University of Dhaka, and serving in the Department of Information and Broadcasting. Jasimuddin was recognized for his contributions with prestigious awards, including the President's Award for Pride of Performance, Ekushey Padak, and Swadhinata Dibas Puruskar. His legacy continues to be honored through the Jasimuddin Literary Award established by the Bangla Academy.

Zahir Raihan was a prominent Bangladeshi novelist, writer, and filmmaker recognized for his impactful contributions to the literary and cinematic world. His documentary "Stop Genocide" created during the Bangladesh Liberation War stands as a significant work in highlighting the atrocities during that period. His talent and dedication were acknowledged with prestigious awards such as the Ekushey Padak in 1977 and Independence Day Award in 1992. Raihan's professional legacy continues to inspire and educate audiences through his powerful storytelling and filmmaking skills.

Marzuk Russell is a versatile Bangladeshi professional known for his work as a poet, model, and actor. He gained recognition for his television debut in the TV play "Ayna Mohol" directed by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. His breakthrough came with the self-titled role in the film "Bachelor" in 2004, leading to mainstream acclaim. Since then, he has been actively involved in various television dramas, television commercials, and music videos, showcasing his talent and versatility in the entertainment industry.

Abul Hayat is a versatile Bangladeshi professional known for his work as an actor, writer, civil engineer, and director. He has received recognition for his talents, including winning the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film Daruchini Dwip (2007). In 2015, he was honored with the Ekushey Padak by the Government of Bangladesh for his contributions to acting. Notably, he portrayed the character Misir Ali in the television film Onno Bhuboner Cheleta, showcasing his diverse acting abilities.

Taslima Nasrin is a prominent Bangladeshi writer, physician, feminist, secular humanist, and activist known for her outspoken criticism of women's oppression and religion. She gained global recognition in the early 1990s for her feminist essays and novels that challenge misogynistic beliefs within various religions. Facing bans and death threats, Nasrin has been living in exile since 1994. She has resided in Europe, the United States, and currently in New Delhi, India, where she continues to advocate for women's rights and secular values through her writing and activism.

Rubana Huq is a prominent Bangladeshi businesswoman, university academic, and poet. She currently serves as the Vice-chancellor of Asian University for Women (AUW) and is the chairperson of Mohammadi Group, a well-known Bangladeshi conglomerate. Huq's achievements include being featured in BBC 100 Women in 2013 and 2014 and being elected as the first female president of BGMEA, serving from 2019 to 2021. Her professional life is marked by her leadership in academia, business, and the fashion industry.

Salimullah Khan is a prominent Bangladeshi writer, academic, and public intellectual known for his insightful exploration of national and international politics and culture through the lenses of Marxist and Lacanian theories. He has a significant influence on the young generation of writers and thinkers in Bangladesh, drawing inspiration from Ahmed Sofa's thoughts. Khan is also recognized for his translations of works by notable figures such as Plato, Frantz Fanon, and Charles Baudelaire into Bengali. He frequently appears as a guest on talk shows, discussing various political issues on national and international platforms.

Ahmed Sofa was a prominent Bangladeshi writer, thinker, novelist, poet, philosopher, and public intellectual. He authored a total of 18 non-fiction books, 8 novels, 4 collections of poems, and 2 collections of short stories, showcasing a diverse range of literary genres. His works delved into critical surveys of Bengali Muslims' identity, intellectual landscape, and social issues in Bangladesh. Sofa's writings were characterized by innovative storytelling, intricate characterization, and a realistic portrayal of societal nuances. His works have inspired and influenced numerous writers, filmmakers, painters, and intellectuals in Bangladesh.

Sufia Kamal was a prominent Bangladeshi poet, feminist leader, and political activist. She actively participated in the Bengali nationalist movement during the 1950s and played a crucial role as a civil society leader in independent Bangladesh. Kamal led feminist activism and served as the president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. Her dedication to women's rights and social justice issues made her a respected figure in the country. Kamal's contributions were significant, and she was honored with a state funeral upon her passing, being the first woman to receive such recognition in Bangladesh.

Syed Mujtaba Ali was a versatile professional with expertise in writing, journalism, travel, academia, scholarship, and linguistics. He had a diverse career that took him to various countries including Bangladesh, India, Germany, Afghanistan, and Egypt. Through his work, he made significant contributions to Bengali literature, journalism, and academia. His passion for travel allowed him to explore different cultures, languages, and societies, enriching his knowledge and experiences. Mujtaba Ali's professional journey was marked by a deep commitment to learning, sharing knowledge, and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Shahidullah Kaiser was a prominent Bangladeshi novelist and writer who made significant contributions to Bengali literature. He received several prestigious awards recognizing his literary talents, including the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1969, Ekushey Padak in 1983, and Independence Day Award in 1998. Through his works, Kaiser left a lasting impact on the literary scene of Bangladesh, showcasing his talent and dedication to storytelling. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring writers and readers alike with his unique narrative style and thought-provoking themes.

Shamsur Rahman was a prominent Bangladeshi poet, columnist, and journalist known for his prolific writing career. With over sixty books of poetry collection to his name, he is recognized as a significant figure in Bengali literature during the latter half of the 20th century. Rahman was considered the unofficial poet laureate of Bangladesh and explored themes such as liberal humanism, human relations, youth rebellion, historical events in Bangladesh, and opposition to religious fundamentalism through his poetry and writings.

Munier Choudhury was a prominent Bangladeshi figure known for his contributions in education, playwriting, literary criticism, and activism. He played a significant role in the cultural and intellectual scene of Bangladesh. Choudhury was recognized for his critical thinking and dissenting voice against political injustices. Tragically, he fell victim to the mass killings of intellectuals in 1971. Despite his untimely death, his legacy was honored when he posthumously received the Independence Day Award in 1980 for his enduring impact on Bangladeshi society.

Anisuzzaman was a prominent Bangladeshi academic specializing in Bengali literature. He actively participated in key historical events such as the Language Movement, Mass Uprising, and Bangladesh Liberation War. Anisuzzaman served as a member of the Planning Commission during the Liberation War and later contributed to the National Education Commission. Recognized for his expertise, he was appointed as a National Professor by the Government of Bangladesh in 2018, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the academic and political spheres of the country.

Chandan Sen is a prominent figure in the Indian entertainment industry, known for his versatile talents as a stage, television, and film actor, as well as a playwright and director. With a focus on Bengali-language productions, Sen has made significant contributions to the cultural landscape through his compelling performances and creative vision. His work showcases a deep understanding of the craft and a dedication to storytelling, earning him a respected reputation among audiences and peers alike.

Kabir Chowdhury was a prominent Bangladeshi figure known for his multifaceted professional contributions. As an academic, he made significant strides in various fields, including translation and cultural studies. His impactful essays shed light on important societal issues, showcasing his role as a critical thinker. Moreover, Chowdhury's involvement in civil society activism demonstrated his commitment to social change and progress. Overall, his diverse professional endeavors as an essayist, translator, cultural worker, and civil society activist left a lasting legacy in Bangladesh.

Subir Chowdhury is a prominent Bangladeshi-American author known for his contributions to quality and management. With a repertoire of 15 published books, he has established himself as an authority in the field. Currently serving as the chairman and CEO of ASI Consulting Group, LLC, based in Bingham Farms, Michigan, Chowdhury's professional life is marked by his dedication to improving organizational efficiency and effectiveness. His work continues to influence businesses and individuals seeking excellence in quality management practices.

Golam Sarwar was a distinguished Bangladeshi journalist and writer known for his significant contributions to the field. He held the esteemed position of founding editor at both Samakal and Jugantor, two prominent publications. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a strong commitment to journalistic excellence and played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape in Bangladesh. His dedication and talent were recognized with the prestigious Ekushey Padak award bestowed upon him by the Government of Bangladesh in 2014, further solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the industry.

Humayun Azad was a versatile Bangladeshi writer, linguist, and academic known for his prolific literary contributions. As a poet, novelist, short-story writer, critic, and columnist, he authored over sixty titles, showcasing his diverse talents. His expertise in Bengali linguistics was recognized with the prestigious Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1986. Even after his passing, Azad's significant impact on Bengali literature endured, leading to a posthumous honor of the Ekushey Padak by the government of Bangladesh in 2012, highlighting his lasting legacy in the literary world.

ATM Shamsuzzaman was a highly acclaimed Bangladeshi film and television actor, director, and screen-playwright. He had a successful career, winning numerous awards for his outstanding performances in various films. His talent and dedication to his craft were recognized with prestigious accolades such as the Ekushey Padak. Shamsuzzaman's versatility and skill were evident in his roles across different genres, showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with his acting prowess. He left a lasting impact on the Bangladeshi entertainment industry with his exceptional contributions.

Tofail Ahmed was a prominent Bangladeshi researcher specializing in Folk Art. He gained recognition for his extensive collection of Folk artifacts and his authorship of multiple books on Bangladeshi Folk arts and Crafts. In 1998, he received the prestigious Shilu Abed Karushilpa Award in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to Folk Arts and Craft. Additionally, in 2001, he was honored as an honorary fellow of the Bangla Academy, further solidifying his status as a respected figure in the realm of Folk Art research and preservation.

Farhad Mazhar is a prominent Bangladeshi figure known for his diverse professional roles. He is a respected poet, philosopher, writer, columnist, pharmacist, and social activist. Mazhar is also recognized for his contributions as an environmentalist and human rights advocate. He holds the position of managing director at UBINIG, an organization that he co-founded. Through his work, Mazhar has made significant contributions to various fields, using his platform to address social, environmental, and human rights issues in Bangladesh.

Shahabuddin Nagari is a renowned modern poet of Bangladesh, gaining prominence in the 1970s as a lyricist. With over 75 published titles by February 2016, he is highly respected for his ability to blend romanticism with instinct. Nagari is particularly recognized for his songs and works for children. Alongside his literary pursuits, he held a senior bureaucratic position in the government of Bangladesh. Noteworthy is his active involvement in the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971.

Rabeya Khatun was a prolific Bangladeshi novelist known for her diverse literary works. Throughout her career, she authored over 50 novels, more than 400 short stories, essays, research papers, religious histories, and travelogues. Her contributions to Bangladeshi literature were widely recognized, earning her prestigious awards such as the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1973, Ekushey Padak in 1993, and Independence Day Award in 2017. Khatun's dedication to writing and her literary achievements solidified her reputation as a prominent figure in the literary landscape of Bangladesh.

Jahanara Arzu is a Bangladeshi poet who was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 1987 for her significant contributions to Bengali literature. She co-founded Sultana, the first women's weekly published in East Bengal. Arzu has had a noteworthy professional career as a poet, editor, and literary figure, leaving a lasting impact on the literary scene in Bangladesh. Her work has been recognized for its cultural and social significance, solidifying her reputation as a respected and influential figure in the world of Bengali literature.