Shahed Ali

Shahed Ali (24 May 1925 – 7 November 2001) was a Bangladeshi educationist, cultural activist and an author.^[1] He was also a journalist, editor of multiple magazines and one of the founders of the Islamic Organization "Tamaddun Mazlish." He is most notable for his short story Jibrailer Dana (Gabriel's Wings).

Life and works

Ali was born in Sylhet, and was the oldest of nine brothers and sisters. His literary career began prior to the 1947 partition of the Indian subcontinent. His first story Asru (tears) was published in 1940 when he was a student of grade eight. He worked as the editor of a magazine called "Pravati" from 1944-1966. He later became involved with a magazine named "Saynik" which served as the banner for the Bengali language movement. He worked as the editor of Saynik from 1948-1950. He was also the editor of two journals of the Islamic foundation, "Sabuj Pata" and "Islamic Academy Patrika." He was also actively involved with Allama Iqbal Sangsad Magazine from 1963-1982. He was elected a Member of Legislative assembly of the Government of East Pakistan in 1954 but decided to quit politics when Ayub Khan imposed martial law in 1958 .

List of works

Some of his most famous short stories:

• Jibrailer Dana (Gabriel's Wings)
• Eki Shomotole (On the same plane)[Included in the University Curriculum]
• Shah Nazar (a bridegroom's vision)
• Amar Kahini (Ageless story)
• Natun Zamindar (The new landlord)

Works he translated into Bengali:

• Herodotus
• Road to Mecca - Muhammad Asad
• Fundamentals of Economics
• History of political theory
• Islam in Bangladesh
• Economic order of Islam
• Modern Science and Modern People's history

Awards

• Bangla Academy Award (1964)
• Ekushey Padak (1989)
• Tamgha I Imtiaz (1969)
• Language movement Award (1981)
• Nasiruddin Gold medal (1985)
• Islamic Foundation Award (1986)
• Jallalabad Club Award (1988)
• Jallalabad Club Forum February 21 and independence award (1990)
• Bangladesh National student award (England) (1991)
• Bangladesh Islamic School (Dubai) literature award (1992)
• Poet Forrukah Memorial Award (1997)
• Ragib Rabeya Shitta award (1998)

Family

Ali's wife, Chemon Ara is a retired professor of Bengali and a writer and former Principal of Chittagong Women's College. Together they have six children.

References