Today is the 82nd anniversary of birth of eminent novelist, short story writer Akhtaruzzaman Elias, who is often considered as one of the finest writers in modern Bangla literature.
Born at Gotia in Gaibandha on February 12, 1943, Akhtaruzzaman Elias completed his matriculation from Bogra Zilla School, intermediate from Dhaka College and BA and MA from Dhaka University.
Although he wrote only two novels and five collections of short stories, a few writers can be said to have concomitantly maintained the excellence of linguistic aesthetics and critical and political commitment like Elias.
His literary works include Chilekothar Sepai, Khowabnama, Anya Ghare Anya Swar, Khoyari, Dudhbhate Utpat, Dojokher Om, Jal Swapna, Swapner Jal and Sangskrtir Bhanga Setu.
He received several awards, including Humayun Kabir Smriti Puraskar, Bangla Academy Literary Award, Alaol Sahitya Puraskar, Kazi Mahbubullah Gold Medal, Ekushey Padak (posthumously) in 1998 and others.
Akhtaruzzaman Elias passed away on January 4, 1997 in Dhaka.