Abdul Hye Sikder (born 1 January 1957) is a distinguished Bangladeshi poet, essayist, journalist, and literary critic known for his prolific contributions to Bengali literature and culture. Born in the village of South Chat Gopalpur in Bhurungamari Upazila of Kurigram district, Sikder pursued his education in Bengali literature at Rajshahi University, obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree. He later earned an M.A. in Bengali literature from the University of Development Alternative.
Sikder’s career spans journalism, academia, and literary pursuits. He has worked as chief of feature services at Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), assistant editor of the Daily Inqilab, and executive director of the Nazrul Institute in Dhaka. Currently, he serves as assistant editor of the Daily Amar Desh and associate professor at the University of Development Alternative. Additionally, he is president of the Mukhush Natya Sangstha drama organization.
In literature, Sikder has authored over 120 works including poetry collections—Ashi Lokksyo Bhor (1987), Agun Amar Bhai (1991), Railing Dhara Nadi (1994), Sundarban Gatha (2003)—short stories, travelogues, biographies, essays, and edited volumes on figures such as Kazi Nazrul Islam and Moniruddin Yusuf. His poetry reflects themes of humanity, nationalism, freedom, and social justice. Notably, Sikder survived a terrorist attack in 1996 but remained an uncompromising advocate for human liberation and sovereignty.
He has received multiple awards including the Bangla Academy Literary Award (2003), Natun Gati Sahittya Purashkar (India, 2010), and various national honors recognizing his literary and cultural contributions. Abdul Hye Sikder is often referred to as the “poet of national identity” for his lifelong commitment to Bangladesh’s liberation and cultural heritage