Shahed Ali

Shahed Ali (; 24 May 19256 November 2001) was a Bangladeshi litterateur and cultural activist. Aside from being an educationist and his journalism, he was one of the founders of the nationwide Tamaddun Majlish which initiated the Bengali language movement. He edited multiple magazines, was the founding secretary of the Islamic Academy (now Islamic Foundation Bangladesh), and is best known for his magnum opus, the short story Jibrailer Dana (Gabriel's Wings).

Early life and education Ali was born in the village of Mahmudpur (presently in South Sripur Union) in Tahirpur Thana, Sunamganj Subdivision, Sylhet District to Bengali Muslim parents on 24 May 1925. He was the oldest of nine brothers and sisters. His first story, Ashru (Tears), was published in 1940 when he was a student at grade eight. In 1943, he completed his studies at the Government Jubilee High School and proceeded to study at the Murari Chand College in Sylhet. He received his bachelor's degree in 1947, and did a Master of Arts in Bengali language and literature from the University of Dhaka which he completed in 1950.

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 Literary 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)