Mir Abdus Shukur Al Mahmud (known as Al Mahmud; 11 July 1936 – 15 February 2019) was a Bangladeshi poet, novelist, and short-story writer. He is considered one of the greatest
Bengali
Bengali or Bengalee, or Bengalese may refer to:
*something of, from, or related to Bengal, a large region in South Asia
* Bengalis, an ethnic and linguistic group of the region
* Bengali language, the language they speak
** Bengali alphabet, the w ...
poets to have emerged in the 20th century.
His work in Bengali poetry is dominated by his frequent use of regional dialects.
In the 1950s he was among those Bengali poets who were outspoken in their writing on such subjects as the events of the
Bengali Language Movement, nationalism, political and economical repression, and the struggle against the West Pakistani government.
Early life and career
Mahmud was born in Morail Village of
Brahmanbaria District
Brahmanbaria ( bn, ব্রাহ্মণবাড়িয়া, translit=Brahmôṇbaṛiya) is a district in eastern Bangladesh located in the Chittagong Division. Geographically, it is mostly farmland and is topographically part of the Ga ...
in present-day Bangladesh.
His childhood and secondary education days were spent in this village which is located adjacent to Brahmanbaria town.
Mahmud started his career as a journalist. He obtained widespread recognition after ''Lok Lokantor'' was published in 1963. In succession, he then penned ''Kaler Kalosh'' (1966), ''Sonali Kabin'' (1973), and ''Mayabi Porda Dule Otho'' (1976). His other notable poetical works include, ''Arobbo Rojonir Rajhash'', ''Bakhtiyarer Ghora'' and ''Nodir Bhitorer Nodi''.
In addition to writing poetry, he wrote short stories, novels and essays such as ''Pankourir Rakta'' and ''Upamohadesh''. In 1971 he went to India and worked there to build public opinion in favour of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
After the war, he joined ''The Daily Ganakantha'' as the assistant editor. He was jailed for a year during the regime of the
Awami League government. Later, he joined
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy ( bn, শিল্পকলা একাডেমি; National Academy of Fine and Performing Arts) is the principal state-sponsored national cultural center of Bangladesh.
History
It is the national academy of f ...
in 1975 and retired in 1993 as director of the academy.
Literary work
Mahmud's literary work ''Shonali Kabin'' published in 1973, is considered as a landmark of Bengali poetry.
Philosopher
Sibnarayan Ray commented:
Selected works
Awards
*
Bangla Academy Literary Award (1968)
* Joy Bangla Award (1972)
* Humayun Kabir Memorial Award (1972)
* Jibonananda Memorial Award (1972)
* Kaji Motaher Hossain Literary Award (1976)
* Kabi Jasim Uddin Award
* Philips Literary Award (1986)
*
Ekushey Padak
Ekushey Padak ( bn, একুশে পদক; lit. "Twentyfirst Award") is the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh, introduced in memory of the martyrs of the Bengali Language Movement of 1952. The award is given to recognize contribut ...
(1986)
* Nasir Uddin Gold Award (1990)
* Chattagram Sangskriti Kendro Farrukh Memorial Award (1995)
* Alakta Literary Award
* Lalon Award (2011)
References
External links
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Mahmud, Al
1936 births
2019 deaths
People from Brahmanbaria district
Bangladeshi male poets
Bangladeshi male novelists
Bengali-language poets
20th-century Bangladeshi poets
20th-century Bengali poets
20th-century Bangladeshi male writers
Recipients of the Ekushey Padak
Recipients of Bangla Academy Award
Deaths from pneumonia in Bangladesh