Sylhet (Bangladesh)
Famous 'Sylheti' include:
Muhammad Ataul Ghani (MAG) Osmani
(1 Sept 1918 - 16 Feb 1984)
Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of Bangladesh Forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Popularly referred to as 'Bongabir' (Brave Bengali) General Osmani. Born in Dayamir, Sylhet. Fought in WWII in Burma for British Indian Army (1939-1947). Shifted to Pakistani Army after 1947 partition and became a Colonel. Fought internally with superiors for rights of Bengali soliders. Joined Awami League and was elected MNA in the 1970 Pakistan general elections from Sylhet. Bangladesh Forces (military, air and navy) formed under his command during 1971 Muktijuddho. Retired in April 1972 as the first full General (four star) of Bangladesh Forces, which was replaced by Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force and three separate chiefs were selected. Thus 'General MAG Osmani' is the only historical name whose name appears first in the honour boards of the three services as C-in-C between 12 April 1971 to 7 April 1972. Controversially joined Khandaker Moshtaque Ahmed's cabinet as Defence Advisor after Sheikh Mujib's murder in 15 August 1975. Formed Jatiya Janata Party (1977-1984) and stood unsuccessfully against Ziaur Rahman for presidentship in 1978. Sylhet's Osmani International Airport (Osmani Antorjatik Biman Bondor), state-run hospital Sylhet Osmani Medical College and Hospital (popularly referred to as Osmani Hospital), Sylhet (MAG Osmani) Stadium, and (Osmani) Shishu Udyan named after him. Died as a bachelor, aged 66, on 16 February 1984 in St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, whilst receiving treatment for cancer. Buried next to mother in Shah Jalal Dargah, Sylhet with full military honours.
Hason Raja
(1854 - 1922)
Zamindar, mystic & poet. Born in Sunamganj.
M. A. (Mohammad Abdur) Rab
(1919 - 1975)
Bir Uttam. Assistant Commander-in-Chief of Liberation war and first Army Chief of Bangladesh. Born in village of Khagaura, Baniachang thana, Sylhet. Founded the Muktijoddha Kalyan Trust and ran it successfully for years. Former MP. Chairman of the governing body of International Medical College. Died a bachelor on 14 November 1975 at the Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, after suffering from ailments including anemia. Buried in his village of Umednagar on the banks of Khowai River in Habiganj. http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=182371
Abdul Malek
(Born 1 Dec 1929)
Cardiologist and National Professor of Bangladesh. Former Brigadier. Passed matriculation from Sylhet Government Pilot High School (1947), intermediate from MC College, Sylhet (1949, getting 11th position in whole Pakistan), MBBS from Dhaka Medical College (1954), one of only 5 students to do so. Pakistan Army Medical Corps (1955) and travelled to UK and got Membership of the Royal College of Physicians from Glasgow (1964), and received higher training in Cardiology at Hammersmith Hospital, Post Graduate Medical School London and some other hospitals in UK (1964 - 1966). First cardiologist of newly formed Pakistan in 1947. Established first Cardiac unit in Pakistan at Military Hospital Rawalpindi in March 1966 and carried out first open heart surgery in Pakistan (March 1970) in this cardiac unit. For this achievement, he was awarded Nationally and was promoted as Lieutenant Colonel. Joined Institute of Post Graduate Medicine and Research, Dhaka (now Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) in June 1970 and established cardiac unit there. Served as Professor of Cardiology (1970 - 1978), founder director and professor of National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Dhaka (1978 - 1989). The first open heart surgery in Bangladesh was done on 18 September 1981 in this institution. Founded National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (1978). Adviser to various presidents including President Ayub Khan and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Various high profile position and membership including Expert Panel Committee of World Health Organization (WHO) on Cardiovascular Disease (1976 - 2000), Vice-President of Asian Pacific Society of Cardiology (1994 - 1999), founder president of Bangladesh Cardiac Society (1980 - 2005), Honorary Secretary General of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, and many more. Fellow of Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh Scotland, Bangladesh College of Physicians & Surgeons, American College of Cardiology and American College of Chest Physicians (USA). Awarded Swadhinata Purushkar (Independence Day Award, 2004) and designated 'National Professor' (2006) by Government of Bangladesh. Wrote three books 'Alor Poth' and 'Jiboner Kichhu Katha' and 'Jibon, Jagot Safolota'. Born in village of Paschim Bhag, South Surma upazilla, Sylhet. Son of Moulvi Furkan Ali and Syeda Nurun Nesa Khatun. Wife Ashrafunnesa Khatun is a social worker, daughter Fazilatunnesa an eminent cardiologist and Senior Chief Consultant at National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Dhaka, son Masud Malik an industrialist and another son Manzur an Union Researcher.
Govinda Chandra Dev
(1907 - 1971)
Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dhaka. Born in Beani Bazaar, Sylhet. He was executed in 1971 by the Pakistan Army along with 10 other teachers in 25th March Dhaka University Massacre as part of a plan to eliminate the Bangladeshi intelligentsia.
M. A. (Mahbub Ali) Khan
(- 6 Aug 1984)
Chief of Bangladesh Navy. Also acted as Minister of Communication of Bangladesh Government. Daughter Dr. Zubaida Rahman is married to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) senior vice-president Tarique Rahman, son of Ziaur Rahman. Died of heart attack after he fall sick when he was supervising rescue of a F-27 aircraft of Bangladesh Biman which crushed while landing at Dhaka Kurmitola Airport.
Md. Saifur Rahman
(6 Oct 1932 – 5 Sept 2009)
Longest serving (12 years) Finance Minister of Bangladesh. Member of BNP (Bangladesh Jatiotabadi/Nationalist Party). Born in village of Baharmardan in Moulvi Bazar district. Initially held Trade & Commerce Minister for 3 years. Vice-president of the Dhaka University's Salimullah Muslim Hall during 1952 Basha Andolan. Graduated (1953) with a B.Com (Hons). Prolific Chartered Accountant - qualified from Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Institute of Law and International Affairs, and United Nations Association of Bangladesh. Presided over the golden jubilee conference of World Bank and International Monetary Fund as elected governor at Madrid, Spain in 1994. Founded multiple educational institutions such as Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet Teacher's Training College, and Sylhet Engineering College. Awarded Ekushey Padak (2005). Died in a road crash on 5 September 2009 in Brahmanbaria District on his way to Dhaka from his home. A total of 5 janazah prayers were held for him and BNP held 3-day mourning for the passing.
Humayun Rashid Choudhury
(1928 - 2001)
Former Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad (1996 - 2001). Elected president of the 41st session of the UN General Assembly in 1986. Graduated from Aligarh Muslim University (1947) and Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in Massachusetts, USA. During Muktijuddho he served as the Chief of the Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi in 1971-1972 during which he negotiated the recognition of Bangladesh by over 40 countries. Minister of Foreign Affairs (1985-1986) in President Ershad's cabinet. Awarded the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize (1984) by College of William and Mary, Virginia, United States, in recognition of his contribution to world peace through his diplomatic activities. Fluent in Bengali, English, Urdu, French and Italian, and had a working knowledge of Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Indonesian. Died with heart attack in Dhaka on 10 July 2001.
C. R. (Chitta Ranjan) Dutta
(Born 1 Jan 1927)
Bir Uttam. Sector 5 (Sylhet) Commander during 1971 Mukhtijuddho. Formed the Sector Commanders Forum with other prominent members from Bangladesh Liberation War. A leader of Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council (BHBCUC).
Azizur Rahman
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Bir Uttam. Sub-sector Commander of Sector 3 (Sylhet) during 1971 Mukhtijuddho. Graduated from Habiganj Government High College (1959). Joined the then Pakistan Army in 1966 and fought against them five years later to liberate Bangladesh. Left Bangladesh Army in 1999.
Mainul Hossain Chowdhury
(1940 - 2010)
Bir Bikrom. Commander of the second Bengal Regiment of Z Force during the War of Liberation in 1971. Ex Industries, Post and Telecommunications and Home Adviser of the caretaker government in 2001. Led ‘guard of honour’ given to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his return home from Pakistan jail on 10 January 1972. Died of cancer in Square Hospital, Dhaka. Left behind one son & one daughter.
Syed Mujtaba Ali
(13 Sept 1904 - 11 Feb 1974)
Author, academician, scholar and linguist. Born in Karimganj (now part of Assam, India). Mother tongue was Bengali but he knew 15 languages including French, German, Italian, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Hindi, Sanskrit, Marathi, Gujarati, Pashtu, English and several dialects of Bengali.
Abul Maal Abdul Muhith
(Born 6 Oct 1934)
Finance Minister of Bangladesh Government since January 2009. Published 21 books on different subjects including administrative and liberation war affairs. Qualified with first class first in B.A (Hons.) in English literature from Dhaka University (1954). Also studied at Oxford University and received MPA Degree from Harvard University (1963-64).
Abdus Samad Azad
(15 Jan 1922 – 27 Apr 2005)
First Foreign Minister after 1971 Independence. Born in Burakhali village, Sunamganj. Elected to Parliament 5 times representing Awami League. Agriculture Minister in 1973. Imprisoned after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's killing in 1975 and released in 1978. Appointed Foreign Minister again (1996-2001) under Sheikh Hasina-led AL government. Died of stomach cancer in Dhaka hospital. Buried in Banani Koborstan (Graveyard), Dhaka.
Dilwar Khan
(Born 1 Jan 1937)
Known as "Gono Manusher Kabi" (Poet of the People). Famous for describing struggles of the lower class through poems, short stories, essays and journal articles. Work include 'Shobdokor Matir Jogotay', 'Gighasha', 'Pubal Howha', 'Bangladesh Jonmo Na Nelay', 'Dilwar Rer Shadinotar Kobita', and 'Dui Meru, Dui Dana'. Received Bangla Academy Award (1980) and Ekushey Padak (2008).
Shahed Ali
(24 May 1925 - 7 Nov 2001)
Educationist, cultural activist and a reputed author. Born at Mahmudpur village, Tahirpur Upazila, Sunamganj, Sylhet. Graduated from Sylhet MC College (1947) and passed MA in Bangla Language and Literature from Dhaka University (1950). One of the founders of Tamaddun Majlish which spearheaded 1947-1952 Bhasha Andolon. Wrote more than 50 books, amongst which he is acclaimed for the novel Hrday Nadi (1965) and six books of short fiction namely - Jibrailer Dana (1953), Ekai Samatale (1963), Sha'Nazar (1985), Atit Rater Kahini (1986), Amar Kahini (1987) and Natun Zamindar (1992). Bichar (1987), his only playlet, is admired in drama circles. Recipient of a number of awards, prizes and medals such as Bangla Academy Award (1964), Tamgha-i -Imtiaz (1969), Ekushey Padak (1989).
Jamilur Reza Choudhury
(Born 1941)
Vice Chancellor of University of Asia Pacific and Former Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET. Graduated from BUET (1963) and became a lecturer in the Civil Engineering department in the same year. Received M.Sc. Engineering Degree in Advanced Structural Engineering and Ph. D. from University of Southampton (1968). Primary engineer of Padma bridge. A former Adviser to the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh.
Sundari Mohan Das
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http://sundarimohan.org
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal
(Born 1952)
Popular author and journalist. Professor of Computer Science at Shahalal University of Science & Technology. Younger brother of famous author Humayun Ahmed.
M. A. Majid
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Former op-ed editor of Daily Dawn
Jalal Ahmad
(Born 1959)
Architect. Completed bachelor of architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and established Diagram Architects (1983) with two other partners. Later started own architectural firm J. A. Architects (1997). Won the Mujib Nagar Memorial Open Design Competition (1984) and North South University Campus International Design Competition (2002). Founding member of architectural research group CHETANA (1983) along with eminent architect Muzharul Islam. Notable works include Scholastica School at Dhaka and Savar, Training And Resource Center BRAC at Faridpur, Rangpur and Bogra, and Dominic Residence in Tanzania. Awarded IAB Architect of the Year Award. General Secretary of Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) and Vice president of Commonwealth Association of Architects.
Suranjit Sengupta
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MP
Subir Nandi
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Playback Singer. Hits include 'Koto Je Tumake Behshehcii Bhalo', 'Bondhu Hote Chaye Tumar', 'Ekta Chilo Shunar Konna', and 'Oo Amar Ural Ponkhi Re'. Trained in classical music under Ustad Babar Ali Khan. National Film Award's Best Singer winner for films 'Mahanayak' and 'Shuvada'. Father was a doctor and medical officer. Born in Teliapara Tea Estate, Sylhet, along with 9 other siblings.
Salman Shah (aka Shahriar Chowdhury Imon)
(1970 - 1996)
Popular film actor. Mysterious death as discovered hanging from his ceiling home. Widely believed wife Samira behind Salman's death as he was romantically linked with co-actor Shabnur, though nobody ever held officially responsible. Buried in Shah Jalal Mazar, Sylhet.
Kaiser Hamid
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Former footballer gained fame in the 1980s and 1990s as a central defender for Mohammedan Sporting Club in Dhaka's domestic league. Represented Bangladesh national team. Received Bangladesh National Sports Award (2003).
Dineshchandra Datta
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Professor of English
