Draft:Zamed Ali

Jamed Ali (জামেদ আলী) was a Bangladeshi novelist, short-story writer, and poet. Although Jamed Ali was one of the first pioneers to revolutionize Islamic novel writing in Bangla literature.

Early life and career

Birth, Childhood and Death: Jamed Ali was born on 25th Ashar 1343, 9 July 1937, in Amjhupi village of present Meherpur district.  At that time Meherpur was a subdivision under Nadia district.  His ancestral home was Shikarpur village of Karimpur police station in Nadia district.  After partition, he moved to Meherpur with his family in present day Bangladesh.  On 21 October 1995, he died of heart failure at Al Jebel e Noor Hospital in Dhaka.

Inspiration for Writing: Jamed Ali was attracted to writing since childhood.  The open fields of the village, the blue sky, the golden mustard fields, the scenes of butterflies and bees were deeply rooted in his childhood memories, which inspired him to write.  His interest in writing started after seeing a picture of a children's book.

Published works: Jamed Ali has published six books.  These include four novels and two collections of short stories.

The novels are:

1.অরণ্যে অরুনোদয় (Auronyay Orunodoy)

2. লাল শাড়ি (Lal Shari)

3. মুনিরা (Munira)

4.মেঘলামতির দেশ (Meghlamatir Desh)

Collections of short stories:

1. গোধূলীতে (Godhulitay)

2. মধূচন্দ্রিমা (Modhuchandrima)

Also, his unpublished manuscripts include a novel titled "Akash Neel Aparajita" and some other incomplete manuscripts.

Islamic Values in Writing: Islamic values and spirit are present in Jamed Ali's writings, which many have called sectarian or reactionary.  But he made it clear that although his writings reflected Islamic culture, he was for the victory and unity of humanity.  According to him, great literature is born out of the artistic unfolding of ideals.

Known as a new generation lyricist: Although Jamed Ali is termed as a new generation lyricist, he sees himself as a minor participant in the traditional palace of literature.  He believes that his literature can be considered as the bearer of Islamic culture.

Fiction of Bengali Muslims: Bengali Muslims have a limited presence in fiction, but their literary contribution is no less.  Jamed Ali believes that the revolution of honest biographical literature will be able to change this situation.

Readership Acceptance: Although Jamed Ali's readership is limited to a niche class, different levels of readers are interested in his works.  According to book sales statistics, he is not limited to only one class of readers.

Medium of Writing: Jamed Ali believes that stories and novels are most popular among general readers.  Essays are generally for scholarly readers and poetry is currently challenged.

Rural Life and Influence on Literature: Jamed Ali is a village boy and his writing reflects the real life experience of rural life.  He does not imagine the rural scenery, but based on his real experience.

Aspirations and Literary Inclinations: Although he was interested in working in all branches of literature, he is currently more interested in fiction.  According to him, fiction is a reflection of human society and is valued as a welfare literature.

Professional Life: Jamed Ali is a homeo doctor by profession.  Although his profession is not directly conducive to writing, some experiences have helped in writing.  However, his literary skills would have been enhanced if he had devoted his time to writing.

Family Life: Jamed Ali does not believe that writers are irresponsible or careless about family.  He feels that literary pursuits demand deep attention and he tries to give as much time as possible to family.  He thinks that his housewife is also satisfied with him. Jamed Ali has portrayed the culture and lifestyle of Bengali Muslims through his literary works.  The importance of Islamic values and passion for the triumph of humanity is evident in his writings.

References

Rokomari

Article by Al Mahmud (আল মাহমুদ)

Interview with Mahmud Hafiz