Illustration: Ashif Ahmed Rudro; Photo: Collected from ‘Photographic Album of Old Dhaka’

He does not need any introduction. Khwaja Ahsanullah — the iconic Nawab during the British Raj, after whom the popular Dhaka tourist spot Ahsan Manzil is named — is still revered for his influence and philanthropic activities. 

But did you know that he was a man of literature as well?

He was a poet who wrote under the pen name Shaheen. He even brought out a book — a compilation of four Persian ghazals, 30 Urdu ghazals, etc.

Moreover, with his help, an Urdu weekly was published. The Nawab created a manuscript on the history of his dynasty, and some parts of it were printed in that weekly publication. 

Shaheen was a man of music as well, and played violin, sitar, and the piano!

Source: Dhaka- Smriti Bismritir Nagari (Volume-1) by Muntassir Mamoon