Akhteruzzaman Elias


Akhteruzzaman Elias was a Bangladeshi novelist and short story writer. Despite writing only two novels, critics place Elias "in the pantheon of great Bengali novelists". Elias "emerged as a powerful short-story writer" in 1960s, and published his first novel, Chile Kotar Sepai in 1987 and his second and last Khowabnama in 1996 shortly before his death on 4 January 1997.

Early life and education

Elias was born at his maternal uncle's home in Gotia village in Gaibandha District. His paternal home was in Chelopara, near Bogra. His father, Badiuzzaman Muhammad Elias, was a member of the East Bengal Provincial Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary of the Muslim League.
Elias completed his Matriculation from Bogra Zilla School in 1958, Intermediate from Dhaka College in 1960, and BA and MA from the University of Dhaka in 1964.

Career

Elias started his career as a lecturer at Jagannath College and worked there till 1983. He also worked subsequently as Deputy Director, Directorate of Primary Education, Vice-Principal of Music College, and Professor and Head of the Department of Bengali at Dhaka College.

Novels