A.F. Salahuddin Ahmed (born 1924 Faridpur, Bangladesh) is a historian from the Indian subcontinent.
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Salahuddin Ahmed was educated at the renowned Presidency College, Kolkata, where his paternal grandfather Moulvi Ahmed, maternal grandfather Azizul Haque,and his father, Abu Ahmed Faizul Mohi also studied. Salahuddin received I.A.from Surendranath College,formerly Ripon College, B.A. (Hons.) from Presidency College, M.A. from Calcutta University, and M.A.from the School of Oriental and African Studies of University of Pennsylvania, and Ph.D. (1961) from the University of London.
Professor Salahuddin Ahmed was married to Hamida Khanom, who was one of the very few early Muslim graduates (IA and BA) from the famed Bethune College Kolkata, MA from Calcutta University, and B.A. (Hons.) from University College London, and she was the retired Principal of Home Economics College, Dhaka. Hamida, who recently passed away, provided support and inspiration to Salahuddin in his professional career throughout their long 60 years of married life.
Dr. Salahuddin Ahmed started his teaching career in 1948 as a Lecturer at Jagannath College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, formerly, East Pakistan,when he and his family migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India. He was a lecturer, reader, and professor of history at Rajshahi University. He was also professor of history at Jahangir Nagar University and Dhaka University, the job from which he retired in 1984. In 1963, Dr. Ahmed was invited by the American Historical Association as a Visiting Lecturer in South Asian History at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Chicago. He was also UNESCO Cultural Fellow at Kyoto University, Japan (1956) Dr. Ahmed was also associated with Independent University, Bangladesh as Professor of National Culture and Heritage, and he served as the President of the National Association of Social Sciences of Bangladesh, and Chairman of the United Nations Association of Bangladesh), and participated in many international conferences and seminars.
The following quote from the review of one of Professor Salahuddin Ahmed's book: Perspectives on History, Society and Politics published by Readers Service, Kolkata, 2001 aptly captures his views and reputation [1]
| “ | "This is a compilation of articles written over last two decades by a renowned historian of Bangladesh, Professor A.F. Salahuddin Ahmed on topics relating to history, society, and politics of the Indo-Pakistan-Bangladesh subcontinent, which is now known as South Asia. The main contention of the author is this that despite political divisions which took place in 1947 the people of this vast region belong to "one indivisible civilization which is the product of over thousand years of historical development." It was due to the machinations of "certain vested interests, both indigenous and foreign" the common people had to pass through untold misery and suffering: and, these 'vested interests, even threatened their 'civilized existence.
Professor Ahmed is of the opinion that the destinies of the common people inhabiting this sub-continent 'are closely interlinked'. "They must", therefore, "learn to live together in peace which is essential for their development and progress." He made sincere efforts through these articles to promote greater awareness about the problems raised and to provoke "new thoughts concerning peace and understanding among the people of the three countries." |
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In 2004, Professor Salahuddin Ahmed in collaboration with Dr. Bazlul Momin Choudhury, published a comprehensive editorial volume on the history of Bangladesh, entitled Bangladesh:National Culture and Heritage: An Introductory Reader,[2] which gives an overview of the land, society, culture and religions, and history of the peoples of Bangladesh.
Some other notable books [3] in English and Bengali by Professor Salahuddin Ahmed are:
He has also contributed many articles in professional journals.
Dr. Salahuddin Ahmed's interest and involvement in social service is reflected by his work for the Red Cross during the turbulent period of Partition of India, and his association with Radical Democratic Party[4] founded by M.N.Roy.