Akhteruzzaman Elias distinguished himself as a Bangladeshi novelist and short story writer. Despite his relatively limited output of two novels, critical evaluation positions Elias prominently "in the pantheon of great Bengali novelists." Elias ascended to prominence as a potent short-story writer during the 1960s.

Early Life and Education

Elias took his birth at the domicile of his maternal uncle in Gotia village within the Gaibandha District. The ancestral abode of Elias was situated in Chelopara, proximate to Bogra. His father, Badiuzzaman Muhammad Elias, held the position of a member in the East Bengal Provincial Assembly and served as the Parliamentary Secretary of the Muslim League. Elias' mother bore the name Mariam Elias.

Elias successfully completed his Matriculation from Bogra Zilla School in 1958, proceeded to attain his Intermediate qualification from Dhaka College in 1960, and culminated his academic pursuits with a BA (Hons) and MA from the University of Dhaka in 1964.

Career

Elias embarked upon his professional journey as a lecturer at Jagannath College, maintaining this position until 1983. Subsequently, he assumed various roles including Deputy Director at the Directorate of Primary Education, Vice-Principal at Music College, and Professor as well as Head of the Department of Bengali at Dhaka College.

Death

On January 13, 1996, Elias received a diagnosis of cancer. The belated recognition of the ailment contributed to the deterioration of his health. Subsequently, on March 20 of the same year, due to the cancer's impact, his right leg necessitated amputation. Enduring several days of distress, he ultimately succumbed on January 4, 1997, at Dhaka Community Hospital in Dhaka.

Works

Elias is noted for prioritizing the quality, rather than the quantity, of his literary productions. His oeuvre encompasses themes that delve into the historical, cultural, political, economic, impoverished, exploitative, and deprived facets of the nation. It is asserted that he endeavored to comprehend the entirety of human existence through the exploration of these themes. Elias has garnered commendation for his adept portrayal of nuanced psychological inclinations. The following enumerates his noteworthy literary contributions.

Awards

• 1977: Humayun Kabir Smrti Puraskar
• 1983: Bangla Academy Literary Award in Literature
• 1987: Alaol Sahitya Puraskar - Chilekothar Sepai
• 1996: Ananda Puraskar - Khwabnama
• 1996: Saadat Ali Akhand Puraskar - Khwabnama
• 1996: Kazi Mahbubullah Gold Medal - Khwabnama
• 1999: Ekushey Padak (posthumous)