Bangladeshi

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“Where man in all his truest glory lives, And nature's face is exquisitely sweet; For those fair climes I heave impatient sigh, There let me live and there let me die.” Mention Bangladesh and you will find your mind wandering off to the poignant verses of Michael Madhusudan Dutta or seeking solace in the soulful melodies of Kazi Nazrul Islam. That is what Bangladesh has always been— a cosmos of brave, exemplary, and exceptionally talented Bengalis. Sadly, the country has often been shunned down as a third world nation jostling to find its foot in the world. But to tell the truth, Bangladesh, despite its fairly short history, has managed to stamp its greatness and how? The home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and the largest mangrove forest in the world, Bangladesh has been the address to many eminent men and women like Jibananda Das, Taslima Nasrin, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Abdul Latif, Bimal Roy, Jagadish Chandra Bose and many more. Explore all about their lives in their timeline, trivia, and facts covered in their biographies below.
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 1 
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
(Founding Father of Bangladesh)
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
38
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: March 17, 1920
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tungipara, Bangladesh
Died: August 15, 1975
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, is known as the "Father of the Nation" and “Bangabandhu" in Bangladesh. He was an Awami League leader and led the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. He was the first president of Bangladesh and later also served as the Bangladeshi PM.
 2 
Fazlur Rahman Khan
(Structural Engineer and Architect Known for His Innovations in High-Rise Building Construction)
Fazlur Rahman Khan
12
Listed In: Engineers
Birthdate: April 3, 1929
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Died: March 27, 1982

Fazlur Rahman Khan was a Bangladeshi-American architect and structural engineer. Regarded as the father of tubular designs, Khan is credited with designing several skyscrapers, including the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Center. Thanks to his ingenious use of structural systems, Khan is often referred to as the 20th century's greatest structural engineer and the Einstein of structural engineering.

 3 
Sheikh Hasina
(Prime Minister of Bangladesh)
Sheikh Hasina
42
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 28, 1947
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Tungipara, Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Bangladesh's first president, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is the current prime minister of Bangladesh. The Awami League leader was also named to Forbes’s list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women and TIME 100, both in 2018, and is part of the Council of Women World Leaders.

 4 
Muhammad Yunus
(Bangladeshi Econimist Who Won Nobel Peace Prize for Founding the 'Grameen Bank' & Pioneering the Concepts of Microfinance)
Muhammad Yunus
10
Birthdate: June 28, 1940
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chittagong
More like a messiah to the poor, Muhammad Yunus initially helped poverty-stricken weavers of Bangladesh with small loans and eventually set up the Grameen Bank. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning social entrepreneur serves several charities, too. He was eventually removed from Grameen Bank by the government, due to old age.
 5 
Kazi Nazrul Islam
(One of the Greatest Poets in Bengali Literature)
Kazi Nazrul Islam
7
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: May 24, 1899
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Churulia, India
Died: August 29, 1976

The Rebel Poet of Bengal Kazi Nazrul Islam is remembered for his vast body of literary work, including poems and songs written during the British Raj, mostly laced with socio-political overtones. His songs, known as Nazrul Geeti, are the staple for any Bengali household. He is also Bangladesh’s national poet.

 6 
Khaleda Zia
(Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh)
Khaleda Zia
11
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: August 15, 1945
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India

Khaleda Zia is a Bangladeshi politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on two occasions; from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006. An influential politician, Zia has been serving as the Chairperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party since 1984. From 1977 to 1981, she served as the First Lady of Bangladesh.

 7 
Mushfiqur Rahim
(Bangladeshi cricketer)
Mushfiqur Rahim
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 9, 1987
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Bogra
 8 
Tamim Iqbal
(Cricketer)
Tamim Iqbal
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 20, 1989
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Chittagong, Bangladesh
 9 
Ziaur Rahman
(President of Bangladesh from 1977 to 1981)
Ziaur Rahman
10
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 19, 1936
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bangladesh
Died: May 30, 1981

Ziaur Rahman was a Bangladeshi Army officer and politician. He served as the President of Bangladesh from 21 April 1977 to 30 May 1981. He played a major role in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. Ziaur Rahman is also credited with founding the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. 

 10 
Mashrafe Mortaza
(Cricketer)
Mashrafe Mortaza
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 5, 1983
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Narail District
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 11 
Md. Abdul Hamid
Md. Abdul Hamid
3
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 1, 1944
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Mithamain Upazila

Md. Abdul Hamid is a Bangladeshi politician and the current President of Bangladesh. Hamid, who was sworn in as the president in 2013, is the longest serving Bangladeshi president. From 2009 to 2013, he was the speaker of the National Parliament.

 12 
Humayun Ahmed
(One of the Most Influential Writers in Bangladesh History)
Humayun Ahmed
8
Birthdate: November 13, 1948
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Netrokona District, Bangladesh
Died: July 19, 2012

Bangladeshi novelist and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed boasted of a PhD in polymer chemistry and had even taught at the University of Dhaka. His mostly depicted the struggle of the middle-class through his works. His films such as Aguner Poroshmoni won him multiple National Film Awards. He died battling colon cancer.

 13 
Mustafizur Rahman
(Bangladeshi cricketer)
Mustafizur Rahman
9
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 6, 1995
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Satkhira District
 14 
Tahsan Rahman Khan
(Singer)
Tahsan Rahman Khan
9
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 18, 1979
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Tahsan Rahman Khan is a Bangladeshi model, actor, singer, composer, and songwriter. He also serves as a professor at BRAC University in Dhaka. He is credited with composing Alo Alo, which has become one of the most famous songs in Bangladesh. A multi-talented personality, Tahsan Rahman Khan has also appeared as a judge at popular events like Miss Universe Bangladesh.

 15 
Shakib Al Hasan
(All-rounder Bangladeshi Cricketer)
Shakib Al Hasan
0
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 24, 1987
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Magura, Khulna, Bangladesh
 16 
Mohammad Ashraful
(Bangladeshi cricketer)
Mohammad Ashraful
5
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 7, 1984
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dhaka
 17 
Salman Shah
(Actor)
Salman Shah
5
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 19, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Zakiganj, Sylhet, Bangladesh
Died: September 6, 1996

Bangladeshi actor Salman Shah started his career with the film Keyamat Theke Keyamat, a remake of the hit Indian film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. His mysterious death at the early age of 24 was initially suspected to be a murder but was later ruled as a suicide.

 18 
Liton Das
(Bangladeshi cricketer)
Liton Das
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 13, 1994
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dinajpur
 19 
Runa Laila
(Bangladeshi Playback Singer)
Runa Laila
4
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: November 17, 1952
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Sylhet, Bangladesh

Popular Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila began her career as a Pakistani film singer. She later released some of the biggest hits of the Bengali and Hindi music scene, such as Shaadher Lau. The Bangladesh National Film Award winner is also a Guinness record holder for recording 30 songs in 3 days.

 20 
Lalon
(Prominent Bengali Philosopher Regarded as an Icon of  Bengali Culture)
Lalon
3
Birthdate: October 17, 1774
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Jhenaidah District, Bangladesh
Died: October 17, 1890

Lalon, also known as Lalon Fakir, or Lalon Shah, was an iconic Baul saint, considered a symbol of Bengali culture. Since his poems and songs belonged to the oral tradition, they weren’t published during his lifetime. Eventually, Rabindranath Tagore published about 200 songs from one of Lalon’s manuscripts.

 21 
Mehazabien Chowdhury
(Model)
Mehazabien Chowdhury
9
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: April 19, 1991
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Chottogram, Bangladesh

Bangladeshi model and actor Mehazabien Chowdhury soared to fame after winning the reality show Lux Channel I Superstar. She is best known for her role in the series Boro Chele and has won several awards, such as the Meril Prothom Alo Awards. The Chittagong-born actor also has a fashion diploma.

 22 
Bidya Sinha Saha Mim
(Actress)
Bidya Sinha Saha Mim
11
Birthdate: November 10, 1992
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Starting her career with Humayun Ahmed’s Amar Ache Jol, Bidya Sinha Saha Mim later won the Bangladesh National Film Award for her performance in Jonakir Alo. She also worked in Tollywood with Indian filmmaker Raja Chanda. She also won the reality show Lux Channel I Superstar in 2007.

 23 
Mosharraf Karim
(Bangladeshi Film and Television Actor)
Mosharraf Karim
5
Birthdate: August 22, 1971
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Dhaka, Bangladesh

A much-acclaimed veteran Bangladeshi actor, Mosharraf Karim began his career on stage as an eighteen year old boy, before debuting on television and films. Since then, he has been appearing in numerous film and television productions, bagging several best actor awards for his performances.

 24 
Chanchal Chowdhury
(Actor)
Chanchal Chowdhury
2
Birthdate: June 1, 1974
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Pabna, Bangladesh

Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury began his acting career with theater, joining the Aranyak Natyadal, though his parents wanted him to be an engineer. The 2-time Bangladesh National Film Award winner has been appreciated for his performances in films such as Moner Manush, Aynabaji, and Monpura.

 25 
Pritilata Waddedar
(Former Revolutionary nationalist known for Pahartali European Club attack (1932))
Pritilata Waddedar
5
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: May 5, 1911
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Patiya Upazila, Bangladesh
Died: September 24, 1932
Pritilata Waddedar was a prominent Indian revolutionary leader who was an integral part of India’s freedom movement. She joined Surya Sen’s revolutionary group and led the 1932 armed raid on Chittagong’s Pahartali European Club. She died by consuming cyanide to avoid arrest. The Birkannya Pritilata Trust was later established in her honor.
 26 
Bimal Roy
(Film director)
Bimal Roy
12
Birthdate: July 12, 1909
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Died: January 8, 1966

Born in present-day Bangladesh, Bimal Roy rose to be one of the most legendary filmmakers of India. Known for films such as Do Bigha Zamin, Devdas, and Bandini, he had won 11 Filmfare Awards and 2 National Film Awards. He had future icons such as Gulzar and Hrishikesh Mukherjee as his assistants.

 27 
Ayub Bachchu
(Guitarist)
Ayub Bachchu
2
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 16, 1962
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Chattogram, Bangladesh
Died: October 18, 2018

Ayub Bachchu was a Bangladeshi singer, songwriter, guitarist, and composer. A rockstar, Bachchu is credited with founding one of the most popular and successful Bangladeshi bands of all time, Love Runs Blind. A pioneer of Bangladeshi Pop music, Bachchu is also counted among the greatest Bangladeshi singers of all time. In 2017, he received the Tele Cine Lifetime Achievement Award.

 28 
Allauddin Khan
(musician, composer, music educator)
Allauddin Khan
0
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: 1862 AD
Birthplace: Brahmanbaria District
Died: September 6, 1972

Allauddin Khan was an Indian multi-instrumentalist and composer best remembered as a sarod player. He was also one of the 20th century's most notable music teachers in Indian classical music. Allauddin Khan was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship for his immense contribution to Indian music.

 29 
Manna
(Actor)
Manna
3
Birthdate: December 6, 1964
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Tangail District, Bangladesh
Died: February 17, 2008

Bangladeshi actor Manna is also known as the Dhallywood Yuvraj and the Mahanayak of Dhaliwood. His role in the film Bir Soinik won him a National Film Award. He also headed the Bangladesh Film Actors Association as its general secretary. His film Ammajan remains one of the Bangladeshi film industry’s most successful films.

 30 
Shabnur
(Actress)
Shabnur
8
Birthdate: December 17, 1979
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Jessore, Bangladesh

Shabnur is a Bangladeshi actress best known for her portrayal of Sejuti in the 2005 romantic drama film Dui Noyoner Alo, which earned her the prestigious Bangladesh National Film Award under the Best Actress category. A critically acclaimed actress, Shabnur has also received the Meril Prothom Alo Award on a record 10 occasions.

 31 
Shah Jalal
(Sufi figure of Bengal)
Shah Jalal
3
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: May 12, 1271
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Bangladesh
Died: March 15, 1346
 32 
Nusrat Imrose Tisha
(Actress)
Nusrat Imrose Tisha
1
Birthdate: February 20, 1981
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Bangladeshi National Film Award-winning actor Nusrat Imrose Tisha initially gained fame as a TV actor, with roles in series such as Otopor Nurul Nuda, and then starred in films such as Television and Doob. She has also modeled for brands such as Meril Lip Gel, Parachute, and Coca-Cola.

 33 
Abdur Razzak
(Actor)
Abdur Razzak
2
Birthdate: January 23, 1942
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Naktala, South Kolkata India
Died: August 21, 2017

Legendary Bangladeshi actor Abdur Razzak, also known as Nayak Raj Razzak, is best remembered for his hit films such as Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo and Jibon Theke Neya. The 5-time Bangladeshi National Film Award winner was also the first Bangladeshi actor to be named a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador.

 34 
Shayan Chowdhury Arnob
(Singer)
Shayan Chowdhury Arnob
3
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 27, 1978
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Born to a musician and filmmaker father in Bangladesh, Shayan Chowdhury Arnob studied in Shantiniketan, where he also met his wife, Bengali singer Sahana Bajpaie. He is known for his signature blend of Rabindrasangeet, pop ballads, and folk songs. He has also sung for films such as Monpura.

 35 
Shakib Khan
(Bangladeshi Actor Who Won a Best Actor National Film Award for His Film, 'Bhalobaslei Ghor Bandha Jay Na')
Shakib Khan
12
Birthdate: March 28, 1979
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Narayanganj, Bangladesh

Shakib Khan, also known as the King of Dhallywood, or King Khan, is a Bangladeshi actor who first soared to fame with the film Anonto Bhalobasha and then established himself as the highest-paid Bangladeshi actor. His marriage to co-actor Apu Biswas was kept a secret for years.

 36 
Tarique Rahman
(Politician who is the current acting chairman of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) since February 2018)
Tarique Rahman
8
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: November 20, 1967
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bangladeshi politician Tarique Rahman now heads the Bangladesh Nationalist Party as its chairman. He is the son of Ziaur Rahman, former president of Bangladesh, and Begum Khaleda Zia, prime minister of Bangladesh. He fled to Britain after being convicted in the 2004 Dhaka terrorist grenade attack case.
 37 
M. A. Wazed Miah
(Physicist)
M. A. Wazed Miah
2
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: February 16, 1942
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Pirganj, Bangladeshi
Died: May 9, 2009
 38 
Leepu Nizamuddin Awlia
(Automotive designer)
Leepu Nizamuddin Awlia
4
Listed In: Engineers
Birthdate: October 1, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dhaka, Bangladesh
 39 
Hero Alom
(Model)
Hero Alom
19
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: January 20, 1985
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bogura, Bangladesh

A freelance music video model and actor, Hero Alom began his career as salesman, selling CDs and videos. Currently involved with satellite TV business, he started making music videos as a hobby and became popular. Concurrently, he also acts in films, mostly in side roles.

 40 
Ferdous Ahmed
(Bangladeshi Film Actor and Producer)
Ferdous Ahmed
1
Birthdate: June 7, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Titas Upazila, Bangladesh

Five-time Bangladesh National Film Award winner Ferdous Ahmed has been a successful actor in both the Bangladeshi and Indian Bengali film industry. He is known for hits such as Dada Thakur and Ek Cup Cha. He has also campaigned for West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

 41 
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal
(Bangladeshi Science Fiction Author and Physicist Known for His Books: ‘Meku Kahini’ and ‘Copotronic Sukh Dukho’)
Muhammed Zafar Iqbal
7
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: December 23, 1952
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Sylhet, Bangladesh

Muhammed Zafar Iqbal is a Bangladeshi author, physicist, activist, and academic. Iqbal is credited with introducing and popularizing science fiction novels and stories in the Bengali language. Over the years, he has won several prestigious literary awards, such as the Khalekdad Chowdhury Literary Award, Sheltech Literary Award, Uro Child Literary Award, and Md. Mudabber-Husne ara literary Award.

 42 
M. A. G. Osmani
M. A. G. Osmani
2
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: September 1, 1918
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Sylhet
Died: February 16, 1984
 43 
Fazle Hasan Abed
(Social Worker)
Fazle Hasan Abed
5
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: April 27, 1936
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Baniachong, Bengal Presidency, British India
Died: December 20, 2019

Fazle Hasan Abed was a Bangladeshi social worker credited with founding one of the largest non-governmental organizations in the world, BRAC. For his significant contributions to social development, Abed was honored with many national and international awards, including the Laudato Si' Award and LEGO Prize. In 2014 and 2017, he was included in Fortune magazine's World's 50 Greatest Leaders list.

 44 
Taslima Nasrin
(Bangladeshi-Swedish Writer Known for Her Writing on Women’s Oppression and Criticism of Religion)
Taslima Nasrin
23
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: August 25, 1962
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Taslima Nasrin is a Bangladeshi-Swedish writer, feminist, physician, activist, and secular humanist. An internationally recognized author, Nasrin is renowned for expressing feminist views and her criticisms of religions. Taslima Nasrin is a recipient of many prestigious awards such as the Sakharov Prize, Freethought Heroine Award, and Erwin Fischer Award.

 45 
James
(Singer)
James
7
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 2, 1964
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Naogaon, Bangladeshi

Bangladeshi singer-songwriter James, also known to his fans as Guru, is the lead vocalist of the rock band Nagar Baul. He has also performed Hindi tracks for films such as Life in a... Metro and Gangster. A talented photographer, he has also contributed to many of his album covers.

 46 
Joya Ahsan
(Actor)
Joya Ahsan
10
Birthdate: July 1, 1972
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dhaka

Popular Bangladeshi actor Joya Ahsan soared to fame with Bangladeshi films such as Chorabali and Debi. She has also appeared in several Indian Bengali films, such as Aborto, Bishorjan, and Rajkahini. Her performances have also earned her awards such as the Zee Cine Award and the Bangladesh National Film Award.

 47 
Matiur Rahman
(Military pilot)
Matiur Rahman
4
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: October 29, 1941
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Dhaka
Died: August 20, 1971

Despised as traitor in Pakistan and hailed as martyr in Bangladesh, Bangladesh-born Pakistani air force officer Matiur Rahman died while attempting to defect to Bangladesh with a Lockheed T-33 jet trainer during the Bangladesh Liberation War. For thirty-five years, his mortal remains lay buried in fourth-class-employees’ graveyard in Pakistan before it could be reburied with full military honor in Dhaka.

 48 
Pori Moni
(Actress)
Pori Moni
21
Birthdate: October 24, 1992
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Satkhira, Khulna, Bangladesh

Popular Bangladeshi actor Pori Moni was raised by her maternal grandparents after being orphaned in childhood. She made headlines when the Rapid Action Battalion raided her house and arrested her for possessing illegal drugs and foreign liquor. She was released on bail after spending 27 days behind the bars.

 49 
Humayun Faridi
(Actor)
Humayun Faridi
1
Birthdate: May 29, 1952
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Dhaka, Bangladeshi
Died: February 13, 2012

Bangladesh National Film Award winner Humayun Faridi had initially started studying organic chemistry but had to abandon his studies due to the Bangladesh Liberation War. Starting his acting career with theater, he later acted in series such as Songsoptok and Kothao Keu Nei, and films such as Din-Mojur.

 50 
Mahiya Mahi
(Bangladeshi Actress)
Mahiya Mahi
16
Birthdate: October 27, 1993
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Bangladeshi actor Mahiya Mahi, also known as the Princess of Dhallywood, soared to fame with her hit movies such as Agnee and Bhalobasha Aaj Kal. In 2015, her friend Shahriar Islam Saon uploaded a photo on Facebook, stating he was married to her, though she denied the allegations.