Rashid Choudhury

Rashid Hossain Choudhury (1 April 1932 – 12 December 1986) was a Bangladeshi second generation artist, sculptor, writer and professor. He played a major part in the art movements and improvement in the art-related educational institutions of Bangladesh. He has received numerous awards and recognition for creative contribution and innovative influence. During the 1950s, he had been a significant pioneer in the modern art movement in Bangladesh.

Choudhury received education in fine arts in Madrid and Paris. As such, a western influence can be seen in his uniquely Bengali work. Beside Art Movements, he made particular contribution in fine arts education in Bangladesh, founding the Chittagong Art College.

His works can be seen displayed across the world, by both public and private institutions.

Family, early life and education Choudhury was born on 1 April 1932, at Haroa, Faridpur District (now under Rajbari district). He was born to a family of zamindars, of the Ratandiya village. His father was Khan Bahadur Yusuf Hossain Choudhury and mother Shirin Nessa Choudhurani. He had nine brothers and four sisters. His uncle Khan Bahadur Alimuzzaman Choudhury was the board president of Faridpur district during that time. The Alimuzzaman Bridge, in Faridpur is named after his uncle. His father and brother were both members of parliament in Bangladesh.

His education started in a primary school of his village. Later he studied in Rajanikanto High School, Alimunzzaman High School and Park Circus School in Kolkata. He sat for his matriculation examination in 1949. He had a common friend with Zainul Abedin and Quamrul Hassan, whose suggested that he enroll in Art College, which is now known as Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka. He graduated the BFA examination in 1954 with first class.

His Tapestry has recently been on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York City.