Ahmed Sofa
Sofa in 1995
Sofa in 1995
Native name
আহমদ ছফা
Born(1943-06-30)30 June 1943
Gachbaria, Chittagong, Bengal Presidency, British India
Died28 July 2001(2001-07-28) (aged 58)
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Resting placeMartyred Intellectuals' Graveyard
OccupationWriter
NationalityBangladeshi
Alma materUniversity of Dhaka
Period1967–2001
GenreFiction, non-fiction, short stories, poetry

Ahmed Sofa (Bengali: আহমদ ছফা, pronounced [aɦmɔd sɔfa]; 30 June 1943 – 28 July 2001) was a Bangladeshi writer, thinker, novelist, poet, philosopher and public intellectual.[1] Sofa is considered by many, including National Professor Abdur Razzaq and Salimullah Khan, to be the most important Bengali Muslim writer after Mir Mosharraf Hossain and Kazi Nazrul Islam.[1][2][3][4][5] A writer by occupation, Sofa wrote 18 non-fiction books, 8 novels, 4 collections of poems, 2 collections of short stories, and several books in other genres.

Sofa's Bangali Musalmaner Man (The Mind of the Bengali Muslims, 1981) is a highly acclaimed critical survey of the formation of Bengali Muslims' identity, causes of their backwardness, their development as a community, and their intellectual progress.[6][7][8] Anisuzzaman and many others consider Sofa's Bangali Musalmaner Man one of the greatest non-fiction books written in the Bengali language.[9][10][11] In Buddhibrittir Natun Binyas (A New Mode of Intellectualism, 1972), Sofa mapped the intellectual landscape of Bangladesh, delineating general opportunistic tendencies of Bangladeshi intellectuals, their collaboration with the Establishment, and their failure to bring any real material change in postcolonial Bangladesh.[12][13]

Characterized by “a freshness of language”,[14] and "constant experimentation, and novelty" of subject matter and narration, his fictions portrayed Bangladesh with all its social, spiritual and political nuances.[15][16] Critics acclaimed his intricate characterization depicting psychological and sociocultural subtleties with realism.[17] Abul Fazal, and many others[18] considered Sofa's Omkar (The Om, 1975) the best literary expression of the liberation movement of Bangladesh.[19][20] Gabhi Bittanta (A Tale of a Cow, 1995), a novel satirizing university teachers involved in party politics and corruption is among the best satires in Bengali literature.[21][22][23] Pushpa Briksa ebang Bihanga Puran (Tales of Flowers, Trees, and Birds, 1996) recounts Sofa's spiritual attachments with birds, plants and trees reflecting his profound biophilia and ecoconsciousness.[22][24][25] Some of his long poems include Ekti Prabeen Bater Kache Prarthana (Prayer to an Ancient Banayan Tree, 1977), and Basti Ujar (The Eviction of the Shanti Town Dwellers), etc.[26][27]

Sofa and his works guided, inspired, influenced, and continue to inspire and influence many writers, filmmakers, painters, artists, and intellectuals including Humayun Ahmed,[28] Muhammed Zafar Iqbal,[29][30] Tareque Masud,[31][32] Farhad Mazhar, Salimullah Khan,[33] etc.[34][35] He remains one of the most powerful intellectual influences in Bangladesh through his works and legacy.[19][36] For a bohemian lifestyle, and outspoken nature, Sofa was a controversial figure during his lifetime.[37] He was called rebel, mad, insolent, devoid of respect for authority, and an overly uncompromising figure among the intellectuals.[38] Never to be co-opted by the establishment,[15][19][24] Sofa rejected Lekhak Shibir Award in 1975, and Sa'dat Ali Akanda Award offered by Bangla Academy in 1993.[14][39] He was awarded Ekushe Padak posthumously by the Government of Bangladesh in 2002.[1]

Biography

Ahmed Sofa was born into a family of farmers at Gachbaria in the district of Chattogram.[40] His father was Hedayet Ali, and his mother, Asiya Khatun.[41] He was supported by his elder brother, Abdus Sobi, to carry on his work in literature. He received his secondary and higher secondary education in Chattogram. He moved to Dhaka in 1962[27] and were admitted to the Department of Bangla in the University of Dhaka. At the University of Dhaka, he stopped attending classes after getting rebuked by Ahmed Sharif once. In 1967, he earned a bachelor's degree as a private candidate from Brahmanbaria College. In 1970, he earned his master's in political science from the University of Dhaka.[6] In 1970, he was granted a fellowship by Bangla Academy to do his PhD, under the supervision of Abdur Razzaq, on "The Growth of Middle Class in Bengal as it influenced its literature, Society and Economics from 1800 to 1858."[42] This led to his lifelong friendship with Abdur Razzaq though Sofa did not finish his PhD program.[43] He began his writing career in the 1960s.[6] From 1969 till his death, Sofa served many newspapers, weekly and monthly magazines as chief editor, literary editor or advisory editor.[39] Sofa died of cardiac arrest on 28 July 2001 in a hospital in Dhaka.[44] He was buried in the close to the Mirpur Martyred Intellectual Graveyard.

Though Sofa never married, he had relationships with several women; among them, his relationships with Shamim Sikder and Suraya Khanam are notable.[45] These relationships were the basis of Sofa's novel, Ardhek Nari Ardhek Ishvari (Half Women Half Goddess, 1995).[45]

Writing career

Non-fictions

Marked by "a rare brilliance of genius" and revealing insight,[14] Sofa's non-fiction writings deals with history, sociological issues, contemporary politics, literary and cultural critiques, etc. Sofa's Bangali Musalmaner Man (The Mind of the Bengali Muslims, 1981) contains nine essays written over twelve years from 1969 to 1980. "Rabindranather Sanskriti-Sadhana" was first published in Kanthaswar in 1969 and "Banglar Chitra Oitihya: Sultaner Sadhana" was first published in Mulabhumi in 1980. In the eponymous essay "Bangali Musalmaner Man" first published in Monthly Samakal in 1976, Sofa explored the historical formation of Bengali Muslims' identity across the millennium.[7][8] The essay considerably changed the academic perception of Bengali Muslims' identity and the subsequent scholarship about the issue.[46] Upon publication, it polarized critics' opinion, some welcoming and others condemning the work.[46] Sofa attributed the causes of the backwardness of Bengali Muslims to the detachment of the ruling class from the mass people.

In another essay titled "On the Issue of Bangladesh's Upper Class and a Social Revolution" (1992), Sofa made a similar point in the present context that the nexus of urban elites had zero ties with the large swathes of poor and struggling people across the country.[8] They feign to feel more foreign here than foreigners themselves. They aspire to identify with a western cultural existence which has no roots in the realities of the millions in this country.”[8] Sofa attributed the causes of the religious/secular dichotomies to the absence of a concerted effort for dialogue from the elites. Sofa opined that people in general are not fanatic at all, but the elites' growing distance from the mass people and the continued economic and political deprivation of the majority of Bengali Muslims created a treacherous situation muddled by angst and desperation which may be easily co-opted by international extremist institutions.[8]

In Buddhibrittir Natun Binyas (A New Mode of Intellectualism, 1972), Sofa mapped the intellectual landscape of Bangladesh delineating general opportunistic tendencies of the intellectuals, and their collaboration with the Establishment before and after the liberation of the country. Sofa condemned "the intellectuals who live by their wits, play the intellectuals, and do everything for pure selfish reasons."[47] Sofa reminded the intellectuals of their true responsibility in the newly independent country and warned about the grim future of fascism unless they performed their responsibility properly.[12][13] Though today Buddhibrittir Natun Binyas is highly acclaimed for its prophetic insight into the future political and cultural prospect of Bangladesh,[13] Badruddin Umar commented that Sofa left the question of class unexplored.[12] Jagrata Bangladesh (Watchful Bangladesh, 1971), Bangladesher Rajnoitik Jatilata (Political Complications in Bangladesh, 1977) explore political crises before and after the liberation of Bangladesh.[14][48]

Fictions

As a pioneering novelist of Bangladesh, Sofa brought fresh air both in forms and contents.[15][19][20] Sofa's novels and stories were often based on his personal experience and observation.[6] Critics appreciated his portrayal of a society yet to overcome feudal and colonial residual in its social and political matrix, a society where common people's lives are crippled with class struggle and limited opportunities of empowerment.[15][17] Akhtaruzzaman Elias commented that Sofa mastered the craft of story-telling in his early youth.[17]

Surya Tumi Sathi (Sun, You Are My Companion, 1967) was Sofa's first novel and first book as well. He wrote it at the age of 24.[40][49] The novel has been called "a heart-warming tale of communal harmony" in a country ridden by communal conflicts and violence.[19] The central conflict of the plot pivots around Hashim whose father got converted into Islam from Hinduism. Hashim's grandmother rises above the orthodox rituals and thoughts of her society by taking responsibility for Hashim's newly born baby.

Omkar (The Om, 1975) recounts the transformation of a mute girl, and how she gets to speak in parallel with the transformation of a community into a nation.[17][50] The novel delineates the sociopolitical condition of the society as well as the sociofamilial environment very minutely.

In Ekjan Ali Kenaner Utthan Patan (The Rise and Fall of an Ali Kenan, 1988), Sofa created an existentialist character Ali Kenan in a backdrop of Mazar culture in Bangladesh. The political scenes, from Ayub Khan to Sheikh Mujib, are explored from the viewpoint of the people living on the fringe of the society.[17] Salimullah Khan viewed Ali Kenan as a metaphor for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.[20]

Maranbilash (Death-Wish, 1989) portrays a minister at his deathbed.[51] The minister opens up his mind and makes a confession of his misdeeds to his attendant Moula Box.[51] The tragicomic confession of the minister brings out the dirty secrets of his past involving fratricide, adultery, communal conflicts, etc.

Alat Chakra (A Circle of Fire, 1993) a highly acclaimed novel, tells the love story of Daniel and Tayeba among the war refugees in Kolkata during the liberation war of Bangladesh.[17] The story portrays the refugee intellectuals, and their self-seeking activities in a different light.

Gabhi Bittana (A Tale of a Cow, 1995) satirizes teachers' politics surrounding senate members' election and vice-chancellor selection at the University of Dhaka.[52][53] Sofa placed the supreme institution of Bangladesh, Dhaka University, in a satirical milieu in Gabhi Bittano.[54] People at Dhaka University were appalled by Sofa's portrayal of them in this novel.[55]

Ardhek Nari Ardhek Ishvari (Half Woman and Half Goddess, 1996), a semi-autobiographical novel, pivots around the protagonists romantic relations with two women.[22] Sofa planned the novel to be a monument of his love.[56]

Pushpa Briksha ebang Bihanga Puran (Tales of Flowers, Trees and Birds, 1996) reflects Sofa's eco-consciousness and biophilia. In this autobiographical novel, Sofa "describes humanism in its most intimate form, an existential reality where we are inextricably connected with the environment that sustains us through our bonds with animals and plants."[24] Upon publication, some critics were reluctant to categorize it as a novel.[36]

Poetry and others

Written in "a distinctive poetic style",[6] Sofa's Ekti Prabin Bater Kachhe Prarthana (Prayer to an Ancient Banyan Tree, 1977) envisions a Bangladesh free from poverty, exploitation and injustice.

Sofa's translation of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust was published in 1986.[57] Jadyapi Amar Guru (He Is Still My Teacher, 1998) is his "outstanding memoir" of his friendship with his mentor Professor Abdur Razzaq.[19]


List of Works

Poetry

1. Jollad Shomoy (1975) —'জল্লাদ সময়'(১৯৭৫)

2. Dukkher Diner Duha (1975) —'দুঃখের দিনের দোহা' (১৯৭৫)

3. Ekti Probin Boter kache Prarthona (1977)—'একটি প্রবীন বটের কাছে প্রার্থনা'(১৯৭৭)

4. Go-Hakim (1997) — 'গো-হাকিম' (১৯৯৭)

5. Lenin Ghumobe Ebar (1999) — 'লেনিন ঘুমোবে এবার' (১৯৯৯)

6. Ohitagni (2001) — 'অহিতাগ্নি' (২০০১)

Social and political activism

A good organiser, Sofa played an important role in mobilising writers along with Ahmed Sharif to established the Bangladesh Lekhak Shibir.[6] In his early youth, Sofa was involved with the communist party for a short time. He also opened several free school for the children of slum-dwellers in Dhaka.[58] He also organized Sampradayik Dangar Biruddhe Sampreeti Committee (1992–94), Taranga (1993–96), Nagarik Shakti (1995), etc.[59]

Legacy and influence

Today, Sofa is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the Bengali language.[1][2][3][4][60] He was described as a public intellectual "against opportunism", a "dissenting" writer fearless to speak the truth, and a "champion of idealism and progressive culture".[6] "A veritable powerhouse of infinite passion and creative energy", Sofa "cultivated with ease almost all the fields of literary landscape of Bangladesh and produced valuable harvests, both in terms of quality and quantity."[19] National Professor Abdur Razzaq stated that Sofa's works "constitute a treasure trove for Bengali literature"[61] and "they create their own worlds where one can easily forget himself"/herself.[62] Muhammad Zafar Iqbal called Sofa a 100% writer-litterateur from head to toe and wrote "It is our great fortune that a genius like him [Sofa] was born" in Bangladesh.[30] In Farhad Mazhar's opinion, Ahmed Sofa examined and surveyed Bengali Muslim society and the birth of Bangladesh so closely and intimately that nobody would make any progress in any field in Bangladesh, be it Bangladeshi politics, literature, or culture unless one studies and understands Sofa's works properly.[36] Syed Abul Maksud stated that Ahmed Sofa is the biggest patriot he ever saw after 1967[63] and the biggest enemy of religious fundamentalism.[64] During his lifetime, Sofa was "the ever uncompromising conscience of the nation, always upholding the truth and justice."[19] Ahmed Sharif opined that Sofa was the bravest among Bangladeshi intellectuals.[65] Sharif also said that if Bangladesh had few more Sofas, the country would be on the right track to a progressive society. Salimullah Khan hailed Sofa as a visionary thinker[66] and one of the world's greatest story-tellers[20] and considered him a successor to Kazi Nazrul Islam's legacy.[67] In Aktharuzzaman Elias's opinion, readers accompany Sofa in his journey to feel intimately the human in history and history in the human.[17] Humayun Ahmed called Sofa an incredibly powerful writer[68] and mentioned Sofa as his "mentor."[28]

"Ahmed Sofa Rastroshobha" along with Centre for Asian Art and Culture organize the Ahmed Sofa Memorial Lecture at the University of Dhaka every year.[40][69] In Chittagong, Ahmed Sofa Centers founded by a teacher at Chittagong University commemorates his work through its activity.

Sofa's novels and stories are frequently adapted into plays, films, etc.[51][70][71] Kaler Nayak (The Hero of the Age, 2014) written by Gazi Tanzia is a novel based on Ahmed Sofa's life.[72][73]

Controversy and criticism

For a bohemian lifestyle, and outspoken nature, Sofa was a controversial figure during his lifetime.[37] He was called rebel, devoid of regards for authority, and unnecessarily uncompromising harming his personal good.[38] Rahat Khan once called him mad.[74] His disagreements with Humayun Azad, Taslima Nasreen, and few others and subsequent denunciation of one another through write-ups were very much discussed and are still discussed by peers and new generation of writers.[42][75] A professional writer, Sofa endured financial hardship though he was also known for his prodigality helping many in their need. Many speculate that early in Sofa's life, he used to frequent Abdur Razzaq's residence to seek financial help. German embassy in Dhaka financed Sofa's translation of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust. Sofa helped publish Muammar Gaddafi's The Green Book in Bengali. Many were critical of his connection with Libyan and German embassies.[76]

Sofa wanted to immolate himself with a tinful of kerosene in 1972 to protest an attempted eviction of Humayun Ahmed's family from a house (allotted by government for the martyrs' family); Sikandar Abu Zafar stopped him from self-immolation by assuring and ensuring the prevention of the eviction. Humayun Ahmed reminisced about the event many times in his different memoirs.[77]

Selected bibliography

Sofa published 18 non-fiction books, 8 novels, 4 collections of poems, 1 collection of short stories, and several books in other genres.[78][79] His writings were initially published in journals, newspapers, weekly and monthly magazines, then reprinted in standard book formats.

Essays
  • Jagrata Bangladesh (Watchful Bangladesh, 1971)
  • Buddhibrttir Natun Binyas (A New Mode of Intellectualism, 1972)
  • Banglabhasha: Rajnitir Aloke (The Bengali Language: In the Light of Politics, 1975)
  • Bangladesher Rajnoitik Jatilata (Political Complications in Bangladesh, 1977)
  • Sipahi Yuddher Itihas (History of the Sepoy Movement, 1979)
  • Bangali Musalmaner Man (The Mind of the Bengali Muslims, 1981)
  • Sheikh Mjibur Rahman O Anyanya Prabantdha (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Other Essays, 1989)
  • Rajnitir Lekha (Political Writings, 1993)
  • Anupurbik Taslima O Anyanya Sparshakatara Prasanga (Taslima from Beginning to End and Other Sensitive Issues, 1994)
  • Samprathik Bibechana: Buddhibrittir Natun Binyas (Reconsideration: A New Mode of Intellectualism, 1997)
  • Shantichukti O Nirabachita Prabandha (Peace Treaty and Selected Essays, 1998)
  • Yadyapi Amar Guru (He is Still My Teacher, 1998)
Novels
  • Surjo Tumi Sathi (Sun, You are My Companion, 1967)
  • Omkar (The Om, 1975)
  • Ekjan Ali Kenaner Utthan Patan (The Rise and Fall of an Ali Kenan, 1989)
  • Maranbilas (Death-Wish, 1989)
  • Alatachakra (A Circle of Fire, 1990)
  • Gabhi Bittanta (A Tale of a Cow, 1994)
  • Ardhek Nari Ardhek Ishvari (Half Woman and Half Goddess, 1996)
  • Puspa Briksa ebang Bihanga Puran (Tales of Flowers, Trees and Birds, 1996)
Short stories
  • Nihata Nakshatra (Slain Star, 1969)
Poems
  • Jallad Samay (Time, the Hangman, 1975)
  • Ekti Prabin Bater Kachhe Prarthana (Prayer to an Ancient Banayan Tree, 1977)
  • Lenin Ghumobe Ebar (Lenin Will Sleep Now, 1999)
Juvenile stories
  • Dolo Amar Kanakchapa (Let's Rock, My Kanakchapa, 1968)
Nursery rhymes
  • Go-Hakim (Bovine Justice, 1977)

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Khan, Salimullah (2013) [First published 2010]. "Name Ase Name Jay" নামে আসে নামে যায় [Name Matters]. Ahmed Sofa Sonjiboni আহমদ ছফা সঞ্জীবনী [Ahmed Sofa Elixir] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. p. 21. ISBN 978-984-04-1585-4.
  2. 1 2 Anwar, Nurul (2010). "Bhumika" ভূমিকা [Introduction]. Sofamrita ছফামৃত [Sofa Ambrosia] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. p. 1. ISBN 978-984-408-171-0.
  3. 1 2 Amin, Dr. Mohammad (17 March 2017). "Ahmed Sofa:Bangla Sahityer Anabadya Rupakar" আহমদ ছফা: বাংলা সাহিত্যের অনবদ্য রূপকার [Ahmed Sofa: The Impeccable Pioneer of Bengali Literature]. The Daily Sangram (in Bengali). Dhaka: Bangladesh Publications Ltd. Archived from the original on 3 April 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018. বাংলা সাহিত্যে এ পর্যন্ত যত প্রাবন্ধিক, লেখক এবং সাহিত্যিক জন্মগ্রহণ করেছেন তন্মধ্যে আহমদ ছফাই সবচেয়ে সাহসী, বুদ্ধিমান, স্বতঃস্ফূর্ত, নির্লোভ, ঋদ্ধ, কুশলী, বহুমুখী, সাধারণ এবং তেজময়। [So far among all writers and intellectuals born in Bengali, Sofa is the most brilliant, brave, spontaneous, selfless, multidimensional, extraordinary and energetic..]... তাঁর প্রবন্ধে গবেষণার ঐকান্তিকতা, ইতিহাসের নিবিড়তা, কাব্যের প্রাণবন্ততা, উপন্যাসের বিমূর্ততা আর নাটকের পরিণতি ত্রিকালদর্শীর মতো চিরন্তন, সতত বর্তমান এবং সংগতকারণে সর্বজনীন।
  4. 1 2 Anam, Mahfuz, ed. (28 July 2015). "The voice of the deprived". The Daily Star. Dhaka: Transcom Group. Archived from the original on 1 April 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018. Among the contemporary fiction writers in Bangladesh, Sofa ranked first for his thought-provoking and contemplative writings.
  5. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (28 July 2012). "Ahmed Sofa Bishaye Salimullah Khan, Sathrang" আহমদ ছফা বিষয়ে সলিমুল্লাহ খান, সাতরং [Salimullah Khan on Ahmed Sofa in Seven Colors ATN Bangla TV program]. ATN Bangla (in Bengali). Dhaka. Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2018. Ahmed Sofa, I think, is the greatest thinker of our country. [at 2:33] Ahmed Sofa is the greatest Bengali Muslim writer after Mir Mosharraf Hossain and Kazi Nazrul Islam. [at 4:00] -[Salimullah Khan]
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kabir, Ahmad (2012). "Sofa, Ahmed". In Islam, Sirajul (ed.). Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (2nd ed.). Dhaka: Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
  7. 1 2 Khan, Alamgir (16 December 2014). "Sofa's critique of Bangali Mussalmans". The Daily Observer. Dhaka. Archived from the original on 3 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 Ibrahim, Ahmad (29 April 2017). "Ahmed Sofa In Posterity – Muslim Anxiety In A 'Muslim World'". The Daily Star. Dhaka: Transcom Group. Archived from the original on 4 April 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  9. ↑ Rahman, Muhammad Habibur (2016) [First published 1985; Revised 2008]. Gangaridai Theke Bangladesh গঙ্গাঋদ্ধি থেকে বাংলাদেশ [From Gangaridai to Bangladesh] (in Bengali) (Revised ed.). Dhaka: Bangla Academy. p. 220. ISBN 978-984-07-5479-3.
  10. ↑ Ekbal, Nikhat (2009). "Ahmed Sofa". Great Muslims of Undivided India. Delhi: Kalpaz Publications. p. 266. ISBN 978-81-7835-756-0. Retrieved 2 April 2018. His Bangali Musalmaner Man is one of the most thought-provoking and much hailed books in Bangladesh.
  11. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (December 2013). "Ahmed Sofar Sadhana" আহমদ ছফার সাধনা [Ahmed Sofa's Efforts]. Ahmed Sofa Sonjiboni আহমেদ ছফা সঞ্জীবনী [Ahmed Sofa Elixir] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. p. 39. ISBN 978-984-04-1585-4.
  12. 1 2 3 Umar, Badruddin (2011) [1972]. "Bhumika" ভূমিকা [Introduction]. Sampratik Bibechana: Buddhibrittir Natun Bynyas সাম্প্রতিক বিবেচনা: বুদ্ধিবৃত্তির নতুন বিন্যাস [Reconsideration: A New Mode of Intellectualism] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. p. 46. ISBN 978-984-408-137-6.
  13. 1 2 3 Talukdar, Zakir (15 August 2013). "Ahmed Sofa Jakhan Buddhibrittir Natun Binyas Kamana Karen" আহমদ ছফা যখন বুদ্ধিবৃত্তির নতুন বিন্যাস কামনা করেন [When Ahmed Sofa Desires a New Mode of Intellectual]. Sampratik Deshkal (in Bengali). Dhaka. Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Selina Hossain, Nurul Islam and Mobarak Hossain, ed. (2000). Bangla Academy Dictionary of Writers. Dhaka: Bangla Academy. pp. 22–23. ISBN 978-984-07-4052-9.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Ekbal, Nikhat (2009). "Ahmed Sofa". Great Muslims of Undivided India. Delhi: Kalpaz Publications. pp. 265–269. ISBN 978-81-7835-756-0. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  16. ↑ Hannan, Sudipta (2017). Ahmed Sofar Upanyas: Bangladesher Udbhab ebang Bikasher Byakaran আহমদ ছফার উপন্যাস : বাংলাদেশের উদ্ভব এবং বিকাশের ব্যাকরণ [Ahmed Sofa's Novels: The Grammar of Bangladesh's Emergence and Development] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Puthinilay Prakashani. pp. 9–20. ISBN 978-984-921243-0.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Elias, Akhtaruzzaman (2013) [Composed 1995]. "Ahmed Sofar Upanyas" আহমদ ছফার উপন্যাস [Ahmed Sofa's Novels]. In Elias, Khalekuzzaman (ed.). Akhtaruzzaman Elias Rachanasamgra আখতারুজ্জামান ইলিয়াস রচনাসমগ্র ৩ [Collected Writings of Akhtaruzzaman Elias] (in Bengali). Vol. 3. Dhaka: Mowla Brothers. pp. 411–416. ISBN 978-984-410-363-4.
  18. ↑ Khorshed, Alam (10 August 2001). "Ahmed Sofa: The death of an iconoclast". Archived from the original on 3 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018. In fiction he has penned such immortal story as 'Ongkaar', which till today remains the best literary expression of our great language movement.
  19. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Roy, Rajib Kanti (23 July 2015). "Ahmed Sofa: An Outstanding Intellectual". Daily Sun. Dhaka: East West Media Group Limited. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  20. 1 2 3 4 Khan, Salimullah (December 2013). "Paribar Goshthi Rastra" পরিবার গোষ্ঠী রাষ্ট্র [Family Community State]. Ahmed Sofa Sonjiboni আহমেদ ছফা সঞ্জীবনী [Ahmed Sofa Elixir] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. pp. 157–163. ISBN 978-984-04-1585-4.
  21. ↑ "Gabhi Bittranto: Timely Review of a Satire". New Age. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  22. 1 2 3 Das, Subrata Kumar. "Ahmed Sofa: Kayekti Upanyaser Aloke" আহমদ ছফা: কয়েকটি উপন্যাসের আলোকে [Ahmed Sofa in the Light of His Novels]. Bangladeshi Novels (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  23. ↑ "Ahmed Sofa's 'Gabhi Bittanto' : A Timeless Political Allegory". Daily Sun. Retrieved 19 October 2018.
  24. 1 2 3 Karim, Lamia (28 July 2017). "A humanist for all seasons". New Age. Dhaka. Archived from the original on 30 October 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  25. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (2013). Ahmed Sofa Sonjiboni আহমেদ ছফা সঞ্জীবনী [Ahmed Sofa Elixir]. Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. pp. 284–302. ISBN 978-984-04-1585-4.
  26. ↑ Sofa, Ahmed (July 2013). Anwar, Nurul (ed.). Ahmed Sofa Rachanabali আহমদ ছফা রচনাবলি [Collected Writings of Ahmed Sofa] (in Bengali). Vol. 6. Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. ISBN 978-984-408-128-4.
  27. 1 2 Khan, Salimullah (31 July 2017). "Bloodless genocide: The allegorical gaze of Ahmed Sofa". The Daily Star. Dhaka: Transcom Group. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  28. 1 2 Ahmed, Humayun (2009). Ballpoint বলপয়েন্ট. Dhaka: Anyaprokash. p. 29. ISBN 978-984-8685-16-7. ছফা ভাই ছিলেন আমার Mentor। এই ইংরেজি শব্দটির সঠিক বাংলা নেই। Mentor এমন গুরু যার প্রধান চেষ্টা শিষ্যকে পথ দেখিয়ে উঁচুতে তোলা। ছফা ভাই শুধু যে একা আমার মেন্টর ছিলেন তা না, অনেকেরই ছিলেন। [Sofa bhai was my mentor. Mentor has no Bengali equivalent. Mentors are those gurus who try their best to show their disciples the path to the pinnacle. Sofa bhai was not only my mentors but also many others' as well]
  29. ↑ Khan, Siddikur Rahman (27 June 2014). "Ahmed Sofa: Bishwabidyalyer Atma" আহমদ ছফার 'বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ের আত্মা' [Ahmed Sofa: The Soul of the University]. The Daily Ittefaq. Dhaka. Archived from the original on 6 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  30. 1 2 Iqbal, Muhammad Zafar (2008) [First published 2003]. "Ahmed Sofa ebang Bangla Academy Puraskar" আহমদ ছফা এবং বাংলা একাডেমী পুরস্কার. Kolamsamogra 1 কলাম সমগ্র ১ [Collected Columns] (in Bengali). Vol. 1. Dhaka: Ananya Prokashoni. pp. 538, 543. ISBN 978-984-412-301-4.
  31. ↑ Masud, Catherine (6 December 2017). "Tareque To Tomar Preme Parheche" 'তারেক তো তোমার প্রেমে পড়েছে' [Tareque Has Fallen in Love with You]. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Dhaka: Transcom Group. Archived from the original on 6 May 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018. ছফা ভাই ছিলেন তারেকের 'গুরু'। ছফা ভাই তাকে বলেছিলেন, 'আমেরিকা থেকে একটা মেয়ে আসছে, দেখো, সে হয়তো তোমাকে সাহায্য করতে পারে।'
  32. ↑ Nasirullah, Sharif (10 August 2017). "Chalachchitra Pran Ek Parichalak" চলচ্চিত্র–প্রাণ এক পরিচালক [A Film Buff Director]. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Dhaka: Transcom Group. Archived from the original on 6 May 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018. ১৯৮৭ সালের দিক। আহমদ ছফায় বুঁদ তরুণেরা। ছফা সেই সময়ের বোহেমিয়ান তরুণ শিল্পী-সাহিত্যিকদের নিয়ে আড্ডা দেন। বাংলাদেশে গবেষণা করতে আসা ক্যাথরিনও জড়িয়ে যান সে আড্ডায়। সেখানে পরিচয় তারেকের সঙ্গে।...তারেকের প্রথম ছবির সাবজেক্ট যেমন আহমদ ছফার আবিষ্কার, তেমনি ছবির সংসারের এই মানুষটিও ছফার আবিষ্কার। আহমদ ছফা তারেককে বলতেন, 'তোমাকে আমি ক্যাথরিন দিয়েছিলাম।'
  33. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (15 August 2011). "Amar Shikshak Tareque Masud" আমার শিক্ষক তারেক মাসুদ [My Teacher Tareque Masud]. arts.bdnews24.com (in Bengali). Dhaka. Archived from the original on 1 April 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018. যৌবনের প্রারম্ভে আমরা দুইজনেই আহমদ ছফার পদতলে বসিয়া প্রজ্ঞা ভিক্ষা করিয়াছি।
  34. ↑ Ahmad, Reaz (28 July 2012). "Sofa's inspiration..." The Daily Star. Dhaka: Transcom Group. Archived from the original on 28 April 2018. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  35. ↑ Azam, Mohammad (15 September 2017). "Ahmed Sofar Prashna O Anusandhan" আহমদ ছফার প্রশ্ন ও অনুসন্ধান [Ahmed Sofa's Inquiries and Investigations]. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Dhaka: Transcom Group. Archived from the original on 1 April 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018.
  36. 1 2 3 Mazhar, Farhad (1 July 2010) [First Published 2007 in Samakal's weekly special "Kaler Kheya"]. "Ahmed Sofa ebang Byaktir Muktitattwa" আহমদ ছফা এবং ব্যক্তির মুক্তিতত্ত্ব [Ahmed Sofa and the Theory of Individual Emancipation]. Chintaa (চিন্তা) [Thoughts] (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2018. সে [ছফা] গাছবাড়িয়া গ্রাম থেকে আসা অতি সাধারণ একটি গ্রামের ছেলে। কিন্তু সাহিত্য, সংস্কৃতি, চিন্তা ও রাজনীতির জগতে সে যে উথালপাথাল ধাক্কা দিয়ে গেল তার ফলে বাংলাদেশের সাহিত্য বলি, সংস্কৃতি বলি, রাজনীতি বলি, বৈপ্লবিক কর্মকান্ড বলি তার সঙ্গে খোদ একটা বোঝাপড়া না করে কোনো ক্ষেত্রেই অগ্রসর হওয়া যাবে না।
  37. 1 2 Anwar, Nurul (2010). Sofamrita ছফামৃত [Sofa Ambrosia] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. p. 183. ISBN 978-984-408-171-0.
  38. 1 2 Jahangir, Kamruzzaman (29 July 2011). "Manush Ahmed Sofa" মানুষ আহমদ ছফা [Ahmed Sofa as a Human]. Kaler Kantho (in Bengali). Dhaka: East West Media Group Limited. Archived from the original on 3 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018.
  39. 1 2 Haseen, Shakina (2013). "Parishista: Ahmed Sofar Jibanpunji" পরিশিষ্ট: আহমদ ছফা জীবনপঞ্জি [Appendices: Important Events of Ahmed Sofa's Life]. In Anwar, Nurul (ed.). Ahmed Sofa Rachanabali আহমদ ছফা রচনাবলি [Ahmed Sofa's Collected Writings] (in Bengali). Vol. 8. Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. pp. 483–492. ISBN 978-984-408-126-0.
  40. 1 2 3 Hossain, Takir. Anam, Mahfuz (ed.). "Ahmed Sofa: The voice of the deprived". The Daily Star. Dhaka: Transcom Group. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  41. ↑ Bangla Academy Bangla Sahityakosh বাংলা একাদেমি বাংলা সাহিত্যকোষ: প্রথম খণ্ড [Bangla Academy's Encyclopedia of Bengali Literature]. Vol. 1. Dhaka: Bangla Academy. 2001. p. 327. ISBN 978-984-07-4200-4.
  42. 1 2 Chowdhury, Zafrullah (4 September 2018). আহমদ ছফা [Ahmed Sofa]. Bonik Barta. Archived from the original on 5 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  43. ↑ Talukdar, Zakir (30 June 2015). অস্বস্তিকর আহমদ ছফা. NTV Online. Archived from the original on 5 May 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2018.
  44. ↑ "The voice of the deprived (video)". The Daily Star. Dhaka: Transcom Group. 28 July 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2018.
  45. 1 2 Anwar, Nurul (2010). Sofamrita ছফামৃত [Sofa Ambrosia] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. pp. 92, 93. ISBN 978-984-408-171-0.
  46. 1 2 Anwar, Nurul (2010). Sofamrita ছফামৃত [Sofa Ambrosia] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. pp. 112–115. ISBN 978-984-408-171-0.
  47. ↑ Askari, Dr Rashid (18 January 2015). "Intellectuals in Bangladesh". The Daily Observer. Archived from the original on 15 October 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  48. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (2013) [First published 2009]. "Prarthana" প্রার্থনা [Prayer]. In Khan, Salimullah (ed.). Behat Biplab 1971 বেহাত বিপ্লব ১৯৭১ [The Lost Revolution 1971] (in Bengali) (2nd ed.). Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. pp. 18–27. ISBN 978-984-04-1586-1.
  49. ↑ Mohan, Abdullah Al (11 November 2017). "Ahmed Sofa:Buddhibrittir Duhsahasi Nayak" আহমদ ছফা: বুদ্ধিবৃত্তির দুঃসাহসী নায়ক [Ahmed Sofa: The Intrepid Intellectual]. Dainik Janata (in Bengali). Dhaka: Romax Ltd. Archived from the original on 6 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  50. ↑ Reza, Mahbub (16 December 2015). "Amader Upanyase Muktijuddha" আমাদের উপন্যাসে মুক্তিযুদ্ধ [Our Liberation War in Novels]. News Bangladesh (in Bengali). Archived from the original on 6 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  51. 1 2 3 Rayhan, Nasir (9 December 2017). "Ahmed Sofa's 'Moron Bilash' to go on stage". Dhaka Tribune. Dhaka: 2A Media Limited. Archived from the original on 3 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018. "Moron Bilash," the political novel by Ahmed Sofa, revolves around a wrecked politician named Fazle Elahi. The ex-home minister narrates his political career to Mawla Box lying on his sickbed. The witty and humorous confession of the politician, in fact, turns out to be a reflective commentary of the contemporary society and regional politics, and brings out the dirty secrets of the sub-continental politics and politicians, while scrutinising history, economics, religion, sexuality, polygamy in the light of the sub-continental politics.
  52. ↑ Sarwar, Fahim Ibne (27 August 2015). আহমদ ছফার 'গাভী-বিত্তান্ত'. NTV Online (in Bengali). Dhaka: NTV (Bangladesh). Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  53. ↑ Rashid, Amin Al (8 November 2017). গাভী বিত্তান্ত. Bangla Tribune (in Bengali). Dhaka: Gemcon Group. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  54. ↑ বুক রিভিও: গাভী বিত্তান্ত. Campus Times (in Bengali). Dhaka. 2 July 2017. Archived from the original on 28 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  55. ↑ Islam, Syed Manzoorul (2003). "Death in the Afternoon:The Passing Away of Ahmed Sofa". Ahmed Sofa Smarakgrantha আহমদ ছফা স্মারকগ্রন্থ [Writings in Memory of Ahmed Sofa]. Dhaka. cited in Khan, Salimullah (2013) [The chapter was first published in 2009]. "Basanar Naribhab" বাসনার নারীভাব [Feminine State of Desire]. Ahmed Sofa Sonjiboni আহমেদ ছফা সঞ্জীবনী [Ahmed Sofa Elixir] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. p. 274. ISBN 978-984-04-1585-4.
  56. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (2013) [2010]. "Purush o Prakriti" পুরুষ ও প্রকৃতি [Masculinity and Nature]. Ahmed Sofa Sonjiboni আহমেদ ছফা সঞ্জীবনী [Ahmed Sofa Elixir] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. p. 304. ISBN 978-984-04-1585-4.
  57. ↑ Anwar, Nurul (2010). ছফামৃত (Sofamrita) (in Bengali). Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. p. 201. ISBN 978-984-408-171-0.
  58. ↑ Khan, Siddikur Rahman (26 July 2013). আহমদ ছফা ও বিহঙ্গ পুরাণ [Ahmed Sofa and the Story of Birds]. The Daily Ittefaq (in Bengali). Dhaka. Retrieved 2 April 2018.
  59. ↑ Anwar, Nurul (2010). ছফামৃত (Sofamrita) (in Bengali). Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. p. 204. ISBN 978-984-408-171-0.
  60. ↑ Milan, Imdadul Haq, ed. (7 October 2012). "Ahmed Sofa" আহমদ ছফা. Kaler Kantho (in Bengali). Dhaka: East West Media Group Limited. Archived from the original on 6 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018. বাংলা ভাষার অন্যতম শ্রেষ্ঠ লেখক আহমদ ছফা। প্রতিবাদ আর প্রগতিতে অনন্য ছিলেন মেধাবী এই লেখক। প্রবন্ধ, গল্প, উপন্যাস, সমালোচনা, কবিতাসহ সাহিত্যের নানা শাখায় অসাধারণ প্রতিভার স্বাক্ষর রেখেছেন আহমদ ছফা। তাঁর মতো ব্যক্তিত্ববোধসম্পন্ন লেখক বাংলায় খুব কমই জন্মেছেন।
  61. ↑ "AHMED SOFA IN WEIMAR: A Bangali tribute to Goethe". The Daily Star. Dhaka: Transcom Group. 28 July 2018. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  62. ↑ Abdur, Razzaq (2013). "Preface (to Ahmed Sofa's _German Perspective_)". Ahmed Sofa Rachanabali 8. Khan Brothers and Company. p. 197. ISBN 978-984-408-126-0.
  63. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (December 2013). "Amader Kaler Nayak" আমাদের কালের নায়ক [The Hero of Our Time]. Ahmed Sofa Sonjiboni আহমেদ ছফা সঞ্জীবনী [Ahmed Sofa Elixir]. Dhaka: Agamee Prakashani. p. 59. ISBN 978-984-04-1585-4.
  64. ↑ Maksud, Syed Abul (28 July 2016). Ahmed Sofa Memorial Lecture 12, Syed Abul Moksud's speech (Speech). Ahmed Sofa Smiriti Boktrita 12 (Ahmed Sofa Memorial Lecture 12). Dhaka University. Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  65. ↑ Amin, Mohammad (2017). Ahmed Sofar Chokhe Bangladesher Buddhijibi. Dhaka: Kalikalam Prakashana. ISBN 9789849187893
  66. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (30 June 2016). "Ahmed Sofa: Drasta" আহমদ ছফা: দ্রষ্টা [Ahmed Sofa: The Visionary]. Bangladesh Pratidin (in Bengali). Dhaka: East West Media Group Ltd. Archived from the original on 29 April 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
  67. ↑ "Ahmed Sofar Janmadine" আহমদ ছফার জন্মদিনে [On Ahmed Sofa's Birth Anniversary]. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Transcom Group. 20 June 2015. Archived from the original on 6 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  68. ↑ Ahmed, Humayun (February 2013) [The chapter was first published in Prothom Alo on 10 August 2001]. "Ahmed Sofa: Parbe Na Tar Payer Chinha" আহমদ ছফা: পড়বে না তাঁর পায়ের চিহ্ন [Ahmed Sofa: His footsteps Will Not Be Set Again]. Basanta Bilap বসন্ত বিলাপ [Spring Wailings] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Prothoma. p. 67. ISBN 978-984-90192-4-4.
  69. ↑ "Ahmed Sofa wrote for underprivileged". The Daily Star. Dhaka: Transcom Group. 1 November 2014. Archived from the original on 25 April 2018. Retrieved 23 November 2017.
  70. ↑ "Ongkare Bhabna" ‘ওংকার’–এ ভাবনা [Bhabna in Omkar]. Prothom Alo (in Bengali). Dhaka: Transcom Group. 13 January 2016. Archived from the original on 6 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  71. ↑ Rahman, Mokhlesur (18 January 2016). "Ahmed Sofar Parul Charitre Bhabna" আহমদ ছফার ‘পারুল’ চরিত্রে ভাবনা [Bhabna to Play Ahmed Sofa's Parul]. Risingbd.com (in Bengali). Dhaka. Archived from the original on 6 April 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  72. ↑ "Ahmed Sofake Niye Gazi Tanziar Upanyas" আহমদ ছফাকে নিয়ে গাজী তানজিয়ার উপন্যাস [Gazi Tanzia's Novel Based on Ahmed Sofa's Life]. BanglaNews24.com (in Bengali). Dhaka: An EWMGL Company. 24 June 2014. Archived from the original on 26 April 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  73. ↑ Tanzia, Gazi (2014). Kaler Nayak কালের নায়ক [The Hero of the Age] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Adorn Publishers. p. 269. ISBN 978-984-20-0382-0. Retrieved 26 April 2018.
  74. ↑ Khan, Salimullah (3 January 2018), পাগলামীর ইতিহাস ও সভ্যতার ধারণা ।। সলিমুল্লাহ খান।। সেমিনার।।দ্বিতীয় দিন-পর্ব ১।।বোধিচিত্ত (History of Madness and the Idea of Civilization by Salimullah Khan, Seminar, 2nd Day, Part −1, Bodhichitta), Dhaka: Bodhichitta, Jahangirnagar University, archived from the original on 19 December 2021, retrieved 6 April 2018
  75. ↑ Talukdar, Zakir (12 August 2015). বিতর্কে জড়ানো আহমদ ছফা, হুমায়ুন আজাদ, অন্য লেখক (Ahmed Sofa, Humayun Azad, and other writers in disagreement). NTV (in Bengali). Dhaka: ITC Ltd. Archived from the original on 3 April 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2018. আহমদ ছফা ছিলেন জাতির সার্বিক মুক্তি নিয়ে আগ্রহী একজন মানুষ। শুধু লেখা নয়, বক্তৃতা দেওয়া নয়, মিছিলে হাঁটা মানুষ। বোঝাই যাচ্ছিল, দুজনের বিতর্কটা হবে অসম। ... এর পরে আজাদের একের পর এক গ্রন্থের অসারতা-অগভীরতা মানুষকে চোখে আঙুল দিয়ে দেখানোর কাজটি করে গেছেন আহমদ ছফা।
  76. ↑ Mazhar, Ahmad (30 June 2010). আমার ছফা আবিষ্কার. bdnews24.com (in Bengali). Dhaka: Bangladesh News 24 Hours Ltd. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  77. ↑ Ahmed, Humayun (February 2013) [The chapter was first published in Prothom Alo on 10 August 2001]. "Ahmed Sofa: Parbe Na Tar Payer Chinha" আহমদ ছফা: পড়বে না তাঁর পায়ের চিহ্ন [Ahmed Sofa: His footsteps Will Not Be Set Again]. Basanta Bilap বসন্ত বিলাপ [Spring Wailings] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Prothoma. pp. 64–67. ISBN 978-984-90192-4-4.
  78. ↑ Anwar, Nurul, ed. (2013). "Parishishtha: Ek Najare Ahmed Sofa Granthapunji" [Appendices: Ahmed Sofa Bibliography]. Ahmed Sofa Rachanabali 8 আহমদ ছফা রচনাবলি ৮ [Collected Writings of Ahmed Sofa] (in Bengali). Vol. 8. Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. pp. 494–496. ISBN 978-984-408-126-0.
  79. ↑ Anwar, Nurul (2010). "Ahmed Sofa Granthapanji" আহমদ ছফা গ্রন্থপঞ্জি [Ahmed Sofa Bibliography]. Sofamrita ছফামৃত [Sofa Ambrosia] (in Bengali). Dhaka: Khan Brothers and Company. pp. 201–203. ISBN 978-984-408-171-0.
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