Ahmed Sofa’s 25th death anniversary today

Today (28 July) is the 25th death anniversary of eminent writer, essayist, critic and translator Ahmed Sofa. He is regarded as one of the country’s most influential literary figures.

On this day in 2001, Ahmed Sofa died while being taken to Dhaka Community Hospital after falling ill.

Born on 30 June, 1943, in Gachbaria village of Chattogram's Chandanaish upazila, Sofa completed his schooling and college education in Chattogram before earning a master's degree in Political Science from the University of Dhaka.

A versatile literary figure, he made lasting contributions to fiction, poetry, essays, literary criticism, translation and children's literature. He also edited several literary magazines during his career.

His notable novels include Surjo Tumi Sathi (1967), Uddhar (1975), Ekjon Ali Kenaner Utthan-Patan (1989), Alatchakra (1990), Onkar (1993), Gavibrittanta (1994), Ardhek Nari Ardhek Ishwari (1996), and Pushpabriksha O Bihangapuran (1996). His short story collection Nihoto Nokkhotro (1969) and poetry collections Jallad Shomoy, Ekti Probin Boter Kachhe Prarthona, and Lenin Ghumobe Ebar remain widely acclaimed.

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Known as an energetic organiser, Sofa played a leading role in establishing the Bangladesh Lekhak Shibir under the leadership of Ahmed Sharif in post-independence Bangladesh.

To mark the occasion, his family and various cultural organisations have organised programmes, including visits to his grave at the Mirpur Intellectuals' Graveyard in the capital, the laying of tributes and memorial discussions.