Ahsan Habib

Here is an improved and refined memorial biography for Ahsan Habib, based only on verifiable and well-supported facts:

Ahsan Habib (2 February 1917 – 10 July 1985) was a distinguished Bangladeshi poet, writer, and literary editor. He was born in the village of Shankarpasha, Pirojpur District (then in the Barisal region), and later became an influential figure in Bengali literature and journalism (en.wikipedia.org).

From his early years, Habib displayed a passion for writing. His first poem appeared in his school magazine, and he continued to publish in student and literary journals while pursuing his study at Brojomohun College in Barisal. Financial hardship curtailed his formal education and prompted a move to Kolkata, where his literary career began in earnest (bangla.bdnews24.com).

In Kolkata, he held editorial positions at several leading literary publications, serving as assistant editor at Takbir from 1937, then at Bulbul (1937–38), and later at the monthly Saogat (1939–43). He also worked as Staff Artiste at the Kolkata Centre of All India Radio from 1943 to 1948 (en.wikipedia.org).

Following the partition of India in 1947, Ahsan Habib settled in Dhaka. He engaged in journalism across a range of prominent newspapers and magazines, including Daily Azad, Monthly Mohammadi, Daily Krishak, Daily Ittehad, and Weekly Prabaha. From 1957 to 1964, he served as production adviser at Franklin Publications. In 1964 he became literary editor for Dainik Pakistan, later known as Dainik Bangla, a position he held until his death in 1985 (en.wikipedia.org).

Habib’s literary output spans poetry, novels, and children’s literature. His first poetry collection, Ratri Shesh, appeared in 1947 (or shortly thereafter), followed by collections such as Chhaya Horin (1962), Saradupur (1964), Ashay Basati (1974), Megh Bole Chaitre Jabo (1976), and Duhate Dui Adim Pathar (1980). He also authored works for younger readers and several novels, including Aranya Nilima, Ranikhaler Sanko, and Zafrani Rong Payra (en.wikipedia.org).

Throughout his career, Ahsan Habib received numerous honors in recognition of his contributions to Bengali literature. His awards include the UNESCO Literary Prize (circa 1960–61) for his Bengali translation of Treasure Island, the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1961, the Adamjee Literary Award in 1964, the Nasiruddin Gold Medal in 1977, the Ekushey Padak in 1978, and the Abul Mansur Ahmed Memorial Prize (1980), among others (en.wikipedia.org).

Ahsan Habib passed away in Dhaka on 10 July 1985. His legacy endures through his lyrical poetry, his influential role in shaping modern Bengali literary journalism, and his contributions to literature across age groups.