Wasi Ahmed


Wasi Ahmed is an acclaimed Bangladeshi novelist and short story writer. His works in original and in translation have been anthologized in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and UK. He has co-authored and edited an anthology of South Asian short stories. Formerly a civil servant and diplomat, he is currently associated with the English daily The Financial Express as consulting editor, and contributes to a number of Bangla and English dailies. Among others, he contributes a weekly post-editorial column for The Financial Express.

Early life and education

He was born in Sylhet, Bangladesh. He obtained his bachelor's and master's degree in English literature from University of Dhaka.
He married Naseha Chawdhury on 5 August 1983.

Literary career

Writing since Early eighties.
Language: Bengali, English


Major Field of writing: Short stories, novels
Focus of Writing: One of the key areas that essentially characterises his writings, according to renowned critic Topodhir Bhattacharjee, is his interpretation of the reality of his time, often disguised under the garb of surface reality.
Others:
  • Book reviews in English and Bangla, Articles on contemporary literature, Translation of contemporary short fiction from English into Bangla and vice versa. Writes weekly post-editorial column for the daily Financial Express on trade and economic affairs
  • Participated in the International Writing Program Fall Residency of outstanding global writers at the University of Iowa, Iowa city, USA
  • Served twice as jury for the Prothom Alo Book of the Year award.
  • Attended a number of translation workshops
  • Presented keynote papers at a number of literary events organized by BRAC University, Shahitto Shova, Lekhok Shibir, The daily Prothom Alo

    Works

Translated Work

  • The Overtakers,, Publisher: Adorn Publication, 22 Segunbagicha Dhaka 1000. Year 2018

    Short stories

  • Shishijapon,, Publisher: Kathaprokash, Kathaprokash, www.kathaprokash.com. Year 2022
  • Shoitto Probaho,, Publisher:Abul Khayer, Bengal Publication, Bengal Centre, Plot 2, Civil Aviation New Airport Road, Khilkhet, Dhaka1229. Year 2018
  • Bok o Banshful,, Publisher: Bengal Publications Ltd, Bengal Center, New Airport Rd, Khilkhet, Dhaka 1229. Year 2015
  • Kalashnikover Golap,, Publisher: Shuddhashar, Aziz Super Market,Shahbagh, Dhaka1200. Year 2012
  • Nirbachito Golpo,, Publisher: Shuddhashar, Aziz Super Market, Shahbagh, Dhaka1200. Year 2011
  • Tri Shimana, Publisher: Oitijjya, 68/69 Paridas Rd, Banglabazar, Dhaka1100. Year 2009
  • Shinga bajabe Israfil ,, Publisher: Oitijjya, 68/69 Paridas Rd, Banglabazar, Dhaka 1100. Year 2006
  • Tepantorer Sanko,, Publisher: Oitijjya, 68/69 Paridas Rd, Banglabazar, Dhaka 1100. Year 2001
  • Beejmontro,, Publisher: Obosor Prokashona Sangstha, 46/1 HemendraDas Rd, Sutrapur, Dhaka1100. Year 1998

    Novels

  • Roudro O Chayar Noksha,, Publisher: Kathaprokash, www.kathaprokash.com. Year 2022
  • Borof Kol,, Publisher: Kotha Prokash, 87 Aziz Co-Operative Super Market, Shahbag, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh. Year 2021
  • Eka Doka,, Publisher: Prothom Prokashon, C A Bhaban, 100 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Daka 1215. Year 2017
  • Tolkuthurir Gan,, Publisher: Prothoma Prokashon, C A Bhaban, 100 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Dhaka 1215. Year 2015
  • Sheet Pakhira,, Publisher: Shuddhashar, Aziz Super Market, Shahbagh, Dhaka 1200. Year 2011
  • Meghpahar,, Publisher: Oitijjya, 68/69 Paridas Rd, Banglabazar, Dhaka 1100. Year 2000

    Children's Fiction

  • Ek Je Chhilam Ami,, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Doyel Chattar, Shahbag, Dhaka-1000. Year 1995

    Translated stories in major anthologies

  • The Book of Dhaka: A City in Short Fiction,, Comma Press. UK publishing date 14 July 2016
  • On the side of the Enemy: Short Stories in Translation,, edited and translated by Khademul Islam, published by Bengal Lights Book, Green Akshay Plaza, House 52, Road 2/1 Dhanmondi, Dhaka1209. Year 2015
  • Voices of Asia: An Anthology of SAARC Fiction, edited by Ajit Cour and Pankaj Bhan, published by the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature, 4/6 Siri Fort Institutional Area, New Delhi110 049, India. Year 2002

    Awards

  • 2021: Abu Rushd Literary Award
  • 2019: Bagla Academy Literary Award
  • 2015: Akhtaruzzaman Elias Book of the Year Award
  • 2015: IFIC Bank Literary Award
  • 2012: Prothom Alo Book of the Year Award
  • 2010: '''Jemcon Literary Award 2010'''