- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as Sheikh Mujib, was the founding father of Bangladesh and its first President. He was born on 17 March 1920 in Tungipara, a small village in Gopalganj district in Bangladesh. He was a charismatic leader and was known for his passionate speeches that inspired millions of Bangladeshis to fight for their rights and independence.
In the late 1960s, Sheikh Mujib became the central figure of the Awami League, a political party that aimed to establish democracy and secularism in East Pakistan, which was then part of Pakistan. He was a strong advocate of Bengali nationalism and played a crucial role in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, which resulted in the creation of an independent Bangladesh.
After independence, Sheikh Mujib became the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh and later the President of Bangladesh. He introduced several reforms and programs aimed at improving the lives of the people, including the establishment of a constitutional government and the implementation of land reforms.
However, his presidency was cut short in 1975 when he was assassinated along with most of his family members in a military coup. Despite his untimely death, Sheikh Mujib remains an iconic figure in Bangladesh and is widely revered as the father of the nation.
2. Ziaur Rahman
Ziaur Rahman was a Bangladeshi politician and military officer who served as the President of Bangladesh from 1977 until 1981. He was a key figure in the country’s liberation war and is considered a hero by many Bangladeshis. Rahman was assassinated in 1981 in a failed coup attempt. His legacy remains a controversial issue in Bangladesh, with some regarding him as a hero who helped to establish Bangladesh as a nation, while others view him as a symbol of authoritarianism and human rights abuses.
3. Mashrafee Bin Mortaza
Mashrafe Bin Mortaza is a Bangladeshi cricketer and politician who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of Bangladeshi cricket. He was born on October 5, 1983 in Narail, Bangladesh and began his cricketing career at a young age. Over the years, Mashrafe has become known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and for his consistency in taking wickets. He is also known for his leadership skills and has captained the Bangladeshi cricket team in many international tournaments.
Mashrafe made his international debut for Bangladesh in 2001 and has since played in many important matches, including World Cups and Asia Cups. He has also represented several domestic teams in Bangladesh, including Dhaka Dynamites and Khulna Titans. He has been honored with several awards and accolades for his contributions to Bangladeshi cricket, including the Wisden Cricketer of the Year award in 2017.
Aside from his cricketing achievements, Mashrafe is also known for his philanthropic work and his dedication to improving the lives of those in his community. He has established several charitable organizations, including the Mashrafe Bin Mortaza Foundation, which focuses on providing education and healthcare to the underprivileged in Bangladesh. In 2018, he was elected as a Member of Parliament in Bangladesh, further solidifying his reputation as a public figure who is committed to making a positive impact on society.
In conclusion, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza is a true legend of Bangladeshi cricket who has inspired countless young players with his skill, leadership, and sportsmanship. He is also respected for his charitable work and his dedication to serving his community. His contributions to the sport of cricket and to the wider community will be remembered for many years to come.
4. Muhammad Yunus
Muhammad Yunus is a Bangladeshi economist and social entrepreneur who were born on June 28, 1940 in Chittagong, Bangladesh. He is best known for his pioneering work in microfinance, which aims to provide financial services to poor and low-income people who have limited or no access to traditional banking services.
Yunus completed his PhD in economics from Vanderbilt University and later taught at Chittagong University. In 1983, he founded the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, which provided small loans to poor women in rural areas to help them start their own businesses. The Grameen Bank model has since been replicated in many countries around the world, and has helped millions of people lift themselves out of poverty.
In 2006, Yunus was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in microfinance, and his efforts to create economic and social development from below. He has also been honored with numerous other awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the US government.
Throughout his career, Yunus has been an advocate for the empowerment of women and for using the power of entrepreneurship to create positive change in society. He continues to be an active voice in the world of microfinance and social entrepreneurship, and is a strong believer in the power of individual action to bring about global change.
In addition to his work with Grameen Bank, Yunus has also written several books on social business, microfinance, and entrepreneurship, including “Banker to the Poor” and “Building Social Business”. He remains an influential figure in the world of economics and is recognized as one of the leading pioneers of the microfinance movement.
5. Sheikh Hasina – Politician
Sheikh Hasina is a Bangladeshi politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh since January 2009. She is the longest serving prime minister in the history of Bangladesh and the leader of the Awami League, a center-left political party.
Hasina was born in Tungipara, Bangladesh on September 28, 1947, and is the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. She has a background in economics and was trained in Germany, where she also served as a political organizer for the Bangladeshi expatriate community.
Hasina first became Prime Minister in 1996, but her government was short-lived and she was forced to resign in 2001. She returned to power in 2008, following a period of political instability, and has since been re-elected three times. During her tenure, she has focused on improving the economy and infrastructure of Bangladesh, and has implemented a number of reforms aimed at reducing poverty and promoting economic growth.
In addition to her domestic initiatives, Hasina has also been a strong advocate for regional cooperation and has played a key role in promoting regional integration in South Asia. She has also been a vocal supporter of human rights and has taken steps to address gender inequality and to promote the empowerment of women and girls in Bangladesh.
Hasina’s political career has been marked by controversy and she has faced criticism from political opponents and human rights groups for her handling of dissent and for the crackdown on opposition political parties and civil society organizations. Despite these challenges, she remains a popular and influential figure in Bangladesh and is widely respected for her leadership and her commitment to improving the lives of her country’s citizens.
6. Runa Laila singer and composer
Runa Laila is a highly acclaimed Bangladeshi singer and composer who has made a significant contribution to the Bengali film industry. She began her career in the late 1960s in Pakistan, where she quickly established herself as a talented singer. Over the years, she has worked on numerous films and has received numerous awards for her work, including seven Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.
Her style of singing is heavily influenced by Pakistani singer Ahmed Rushdi and she has been praised for her unique and distinctive voice. Some of her most famous songs include “Dama Dam Mast Qalandar,” which is widely considered one of her best works.
In addition to her work as a playback singer, Runa has also been recognized for her work as a music composer, receiving the Best Music Composer award for the film Ekti Cinemar Golpo in 2018.
Overall, Runa Laila is a highly talented and respected musician in Bangladesh, and her contributions to the film industry will continue to be remembered and celebrated for many years to come.
7. Kazi Nazrul Islam
Kazi Nazrul Islam was a Bengali poet, musician, and revolutionary who lived from 1899 to 1976. He was born in a small village in Bengal, India, and grew up to become one of the most influential figures in Bengali literature and culture.
Nazrul is widely regarded as the national poet of Bangladesh and is known for his innovative and thought-provoking poems and songs. His works often focused on themes of freedom, justice, and human rights, and he was an outspoken critic of colonialism and oppression.
In addition to his poetry, Nazrul was also known for his music and was a skilled singer and composer. He wrote hundreds of songs, many of which are still popular today, and his style of music is often referred to as “Nazrul Sangeet.”
Throughout his life, Nazrul was active in the political and cultural spheres, and he was a key figure in the Bengali independence movement. Despite facing opposition and persecution from the British colonial authorities, he remained steadfast in his commitment to freedom and justice for all people.
Today, Kazi Nazrul Islam is remembered as a cultural icon and a symbol of resistance and defiance in the face of oppression. His poems and songs continue to inspire generations of Bengalis, and his legacy lives on as a testament to the power of the human spirit.
8. A. K. Fazlul Huq
A. K. Fazlul Huq was a Bengali politician and statesman who was active in the first half of the 20th century. He was born in Bengal, India in 1873 and grew up to become one of the most prominent leaders of the All India Muslim League, a political party that advocated for the rights of Muslims in India.
Huq was a prominent member of the Bengal Legislative Assembly and served as the Prime Minister of Bengal twice, from 1937 to 1943 and from 1946 to 1947. He was known for his progressive policies, including his support for women’s rights, education, and land reform.
In addition to his political career, Huq was also a talented lawyer and served as the Attorney General of Bengal. He was a powerful advocate for the rights of marginalized communities and was a strong opponent of British colonial rule in India.
Despite facing opposition from both the British colonial authorities and his political opponents, Huq remained committed to his beliefs and was a tireless champion for the rights of all people, regardless of their religion or social status.
Today, A. K. Fazlul Huq is remembered as a key figure in the history of Bengal and as a pioneer of progressive politics in India. His legacy lives on as a testament to his courage and determination in the face of adversity.
9. Fazlur Rahman Khan
Fazlur Rahman Khan was a Bangladeshi-American structural engineer and architect who is widely considered to be the “father of tubular design.” He was born in 1929 in Dhaka, Bangladesh and immigrated to the United States in the 1950s.
Khan made major contributions to the field of structural engineering, particularly in the design of tall buildings. He is best known for his development of the “tubular design” concept, which revolutionized the way tall buildings were designed and constructed. The concept involves using a tube-like structure of interlocking steel columns and beams to create a strong, flexible framework that can support the weight of the building.
Khan’s innovative designs helped make it possible to build taller, more efficient buildings and transformed the skylines of cities around the world. Some of his most famous works include the John Hancock Center and the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) in Chicago.
In addition to his work as a structural engineer, Khan was also a respected educator and author. He taught at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and wrote several influential books on engineering and architecture, including “Structural Dynamics” and “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.”
Today, Fazlur Rahman Khan is widely remembered as a visionary engineer and architect who made a lasting impact on the built environment. His innovative designs and pioneering spirit continue to inspire engineers and architects around the world.
10. Humayun Ahmed
Humayun Ahmed was a Bangladeshi author, playwright, screenwriter, and filmmaker who lived from 1948 to 2012. He was born in Netrakona, Bangladesh and grew up to become one of the most famous and influential figures in Bengali literature and culture.
Ahmed was a prolific writer who produced numerous novels, plays, and short stories over the course of his career. He was known for his unique and often unconventional storytelling style, which often combined elements of magical realism with real-life experiences and observations.
In addition to his writing, Ahmed was also a successful filmmaker and directed several critically acclaimed films, including “Aguner Poroshmoni” (1994) and “Deyal” (1995). He was a pioneer of independent filmmaking in Bangladesh and was instrumental in establishing the country’s film industry.
Ahmed was also a prominent public intellectual and was known for his strong opinions on a range of social and political issues. He was an advocate for human rights and was a strong critic of corruption and religious extremism.
Today, Humayun Ahmed is remembered as a cultural icon and a symbol of the Bengali literary and cultural traditions. His works continue to be widely read and appreciated, and his legacy lives on as a testament to his talent and creativity.