Oli Ahad

Oli Ahad ( – 20 October 2012) was a Bangladeshi politician and language activist of the Language Movement. He was awarded the Independence Day Award in 2004 by the government of Bangladesh.

Early life Ahad was born in to a Bengali family in the village of Islampur in Bijoynagar, Brahmanbaria District (then part of Tipperah District, Bengal Presidency). His father, Abdul Wahab, was a district magistrate.

Career Ahad was one of the founders of the East Pakistan Muslim Chhatra League, formed on 4 January 1948.

In 1949, Ahad and three other students were expelled from the university. Ahad was present at the historical meeting that took place at the Amtala of Dhaka University on 21 February 1952. Later that day, he organized the agitated students. The next day, he led a rally and called for a nationwide Hartal.

Other activities Ahad served as the editor of the weekly publication Ittehad. He wrote a book named Jatiyo Rajneeti 1945 Theke 1975 (National Politics: 1945 to 1975).

Illness and death Ahad had been ill and in the hospital during March–April 2012, returning home after his condition improved. He was again admitted to Samarita Hospital in Dhaka on 14 October with a lung infection, ultimately resulting in his death on 20 October 2012.

Family Ahad was married to Rashida Begum, an academic who studied at the University of Chicago. They had a daughter, Barrister Rumeen Farhana who serves as a Member of Parliament.

Legacy Dhaka City Corporation renamed Dhanmondi Road No. 4 after him on 27 February 2007.