Khondakar Ashraf Hossain (4 January 1950 – 16 June 2013) was a leading Bangladeshi postmodernist poet, essayist, translator, editor, and professor who significantly shaped modern Bengali literature. Known for his thoughtful and innovative poetry, Hossain’s literary contributions span over thirty published works encompassing poetry, essays, translations, and critical writings. His work is characterized by philosophical depth, socio-political engagement, and a fusion of national and global literary influences.
Early Life and Education
Hossain was born in Joynagar village, Jamalpur Sadar Upazila, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the University of Dhaka. Furthering his studies abroad, he obtained an MA in Linguistics and English Language Teaching from the University of Leeds, UK, in 1980 and 1981, respectively. He also earned a PhD from the University of Dhaka, focusing on the influence of Western modernism on Bangladeshi poetry.
Career
Hossain served as a professor and chairman of the Department of English at the University of Dhaka. He was a popular academic known for his engaging lectures and mentorship. Alongside his academic career, he founded and edited Ekobingsho (The Twenty-First), a poetry magazine promoting contemporary Bangladeshi poetry since 1985. Hossain was also active in theater as a patron and dramatist, notably associated with the Nagorik drama group. His translations spanned Bengali, English, and German, contributing to cross-cultural literary exchange.
Literary Works
Khondakar Ashraf Hossain authored nine poetry collections, including Tin Ramanir Qasida (1984), Partho Tomar Teebro Teer (1986), and Jamuna Parba (1998). His poetry and essays combined postmodern exploration with mythological and existential themes. He was known for blending realism with intellectual inquiry, often addressing national identity and social concerns with eloquence and wit.
Death
Khondakar Ashraf Hossain passed away from a heart attack on 16 June 2013 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. His death marked the loss of a leading voice in contemporary Bengali literature. He is remembered for his significant contributions as a literary innovator, editor, translator, and academic.