Razia Khan Amin (1936-2011)

Razia Khan Amin

Razia Khan Amin is one of the most prominent writers of modern Bangladeshi literature. Besides her original works that includes fiction, nonfiction, poetry and column writing, she has also translated Bengali literature into English. We remember this great scholar and author on her second death anniversary. This remarkable personality passed away on December 28, 2011 at the age of 75.

The Scholar
! Razia was an exceptionally brilliant student of the department of English literature of Dhaka University.
! She obtained first class first in both Honours and Masters, and was awarded the Pope Gold Medal in 1957.
! After higher studies from the University of Birmingham, she joined the editorial board of the then Pakistan Observer (which after independence became Bangladesh Observer). She became known for her biting columns and incisive literary criticisms. She left the newspaper to join the English Department of Dhaka University.
! As a legendary teacher she mentored many literary personalities.

Life in Literature
! Razia began her journey as a novelist from her early teens.
! Being exposed to the works of Tagore, Sharat Chandra, Gorky, Shaw and almost all the stalwarts of modern literature, she penned her first novel Bot-tolar Uponyas in 1959) at the age of 18.
! This novel on Bengali life was hugely discussed in the literary circle, earning her recognition as a writer.
! She continued her journey as a writer throughout her life and authored several novels such as Anukalpa (1959), Protichitra (1975), Chitra-kabya (1980), He Mahajiban (1983),  Draupadi (1992), Padatik
! (1996). An avid poet, her books of poetry include Shonali Ghasher Deshe (Bengali), Cruel April (English) and Argus under Anaesthesia (English).
! Razia also translated some of the Bengali literary jewels into English. She translated Zahir Raihan's Arek phalgun (Different Spring).

Recognitions
! For her extraordinary contribution to Bengali literature Razia Khan received  the Bangla Academy Award for literature.
! Razia was also a passionate actor. She performed both on radio and on stage and also earned fame for recitation and as a presenter on the radio.
! Besides winning several awards she received the Ekushey Padak, the highest civilian award in Bangladesh in 1997.