Today is the 27th anniversary of the death of educationist, philosopher, critic, writer and scholar of medieval Bangla literature Ahmed Sharif.

Born at Patiya in Chattogram on February 13, 1921, Ahmed Sharif was a dedicated and fearless intellectual who criticised any government that resorted to unjust and anti-people policies.

Having earned his master’s degree in Bangla literature from Dhaka University in 1944, Ahmed Sharif began his career as a lecturer of Bangla at Nawab Faizunnesa College in Laksham.

He joined the Bangla department of Dhaka University on December 18, 1950 as a research assistant, and later became a lecturer in the department. In 1972, he became a professor.

After his retirement from Dhaka University, he was appointed Nazrul Professor at Chittagong University for two years.

Besides writing on Bangladesh, Bengali society and Bangla language and literature, he researched on medieval Bengali poet Syed Sultan.

His literary works include ‘Sahitya O Sangskrti Chinta’, ‘Swadesh Anwesha’, ‘Jibane Samaje Sahitye’, ‘Pratyay O Pratyasha’, ‘Joog Jantrana’, ‘Kaler Darpane Swadesh’, ‘Bangalir Chinta-Chetanar Bibartan Dhara’, ‘Banglar Biplabi Patabhumi’, ‘Bangladesher Sampratik Chalchitra’, ‘Manabata O Ganamukti’, ‘Pragatir Badha O Pantha’, ‘E Shatake Amader Jibandharar Ruparekha’, ‘Bish Shatake Bangali’ and ‘Bishwasbad’.

He received several awards, including Bangla Academy Literary Award, Dawood Puraskar and Ekushey Padak.

Ahmed Sharif passed away on February 24, 1999.