Akhteruzzaman Elias
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Akhteruzzaman Elias (Bangla: আখতারুজ্জামান ইলিয়াস)(February 16, 1943 - January 4, 1997), born in Gaibandha District, Bangladesh, is a famous novelist and short story writer.[1]Though he wrote only two novels, critics place Elias in the pantheon of great Bengali novelists. In the context of the novels of Bangladesh, he is possibly the second person highest acclaimed after Syed Waliullah.[2]
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[edit] Early life
He was born at his maternal uncle's home in the village of Gotia in Gaibandha District. His paternal home was in Chelopara, near Bogra town. His father, Badiuzzaman Muhammad Elias, was a member of the East Bengal Provincial Assembly (1947-1953) and Parliamentary Secretary of the Muslim League. He completed his Matriculation from Bogra Zilla School in 1958, Intermediate from Dhaka College in 1960, and BA (Hons) and MA from the University of Dhaka in 1964.
[edit] Literary Works
Though he has not written many literary works he is considered to be one of the foremost fiction writers of Bangladesh. He has written only two novels and twenty-two short stories.
[edit] Novels
- Chilekothar Sepai(The Soldier in an Attic) (1987) - details the psychological journey of a man during the turbulent period just prior to Bangladeshi independence in 1971. This novel also contains what is arguably the most authentic description of life in Puran Dhaka, the old and distinctive part of Dhaka.
- Khoabnama (Tale of Dreams) (1996) - Khoabnama depicts the socio-political scene in rural pre-partition Bangladesh.
[edit] Short story collections
- Dojokher Om (The Warmth of Hell)
- Dudhbhate Utpat (No Peace in Milk and Rice)
[edit] Essay collections
- Shongskritir bhanga shetu (Broken Bridge of Culture)
[edit] Awards
Akhtaruzzaman Elias has received several awards.
- Humayun Kabir Smrti Puraskar (1977),
- Bangla Academy Sahitya Puraskar (1983),
- Alaol Sahitya Puraskar (1987),
- Ananda Puraskar (1996),
- Saadat Ali Akhand Puraskar (1996),
- Kazi Mahbubullah Gold Medal (1996), and
- Ekushey Padak (1999, posthumous).
