Top 20 Famous Bangladeshi People

Top 20 Famous Bangladeshi People

Originally published by Lilian in December 2021 Updated by Charity K in May 2023 and Updated by Nellian in February 2024.

Bangladesh is a country that is to the east of India on the Bay of Bengal. This South Asian country is marked by lush greenery and many waterways.

Its main rivers; Padma (also known as the Ganges), Meghna, and Jamuna have created fertile plains. Most Bangladeshi people travel by boat on these rivers.

Towards the southern coast of Bangladesh are the Sundarbans. This is an enormous mangrove forest that sits at the border with Eastern India.

The royal Bengal tiger is found here. Bangladesh has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In a beautiful country are amazing people. The Bangladeshi people have not only made a name in their home country but globally as well.

They have greatly contributed to the growth of their economy through innovative start-ups, politics, culture, and sports.

Here is our pick of the top 20 famous Bangladeshi people. 

1. Sheikh Hasina – The Visionary Leader

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Sheikh Hasina is a politician as well as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh since January 2009. Hasina had previously served as Prime Minister from June 1996 to July 2001.

She is the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of Bangladesh, her term totaling more than 17 years. Moreover, Sheikh is the longest-serving incumbent female head of government in the world.

It is in this regard that she is considered to be one of the most powerful women in the world. Forbes magazine listed her as the 39^th in the list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, 2020.

Hasina has also been on the list of the top 100 Global Thinkers. She is a member of the Council of Women World Leaders. This is an international network of current and former female presidents and prime ministers.

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2. Mithun Chakraborty – The Bollywood Icon

Gouranga Chakraborty is popularly known by his stage name Mithun Chakraborty. He is an actor, social worker, and entrepreneur. Mithun has won three National Film Awards.

His first acting role was in the drama Mrigayaa (1976) which earned him his first national film award for best actor.

As one of the most successful actors, Mithun is regarded as an influential actor in the history of Bangladesh cinema.

His fans loved him when he started as a dancer who later became one of the greatest. In 1982, he was featured as a street dancer in the Bollywood movie Disco Dancer.

This role got him more international fans, especially in the former Soviet Union. In his acting career, Mithun has appeared in more than 350 films.

3. Muhammad Yunus – The Microcredit Pioneer

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Muhammad Yunus was born in 1940, in Chittagong, East Bengal. He is an economist. A Nobel Peace Prize recipient and the founder of the Grameen Bank.

This is a microcredit institution that helps its clients establish creditworthiness and financial self-sufficiency. The loans are given to entrepreneurs who are too poor to qualify for traditional bank loans.

In 2006 Yunus and Grameen Bank received the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts through microcredit to create economic and social development from the bottom. He also received the US Congressional Gold Medal in 2010 for his efforts.

4. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – The Founding Father

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a politician and founding father of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

Mujibur was the first president of Bangladesh, he also served as the Prime minister. His honorary title is Sheikh Mujib and he is widely revered in his country.

He is the father of the current Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Rahman was a charismatic and influential orator.

Some of his political policies were on socialism and opposing ethnic and institutional discrimination against Bengalis.

As president, Rahman called for increased provincial autonomy. He was opposed to the military rule of Field Marshal Ayub Khan.

5. Taslima Nasrin – The Courageous Writer

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Taslima Nasrin is an author and former doctor who has lived in exile since 1994. Nasrin currently lives in New Delhi, India. She rose from a modest literary profile in the late 1980s to global fame by the end of the 20th century.

As a feminist, she was critical of Islam in particular and religion in general. Taslima has lived in several countries across the globe due to threats to her life.

She is an advocate for secular humanism, freedom of thought, and equality for women. Her literary work covers human rights issues.

Most of Taslima’s work is on women’s oppression and religion. Some of her books have been banned in Bangladesh.

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6. Suchitra Sen – The Screen Goddess

Suchitra Sen has appeared in several Bengali films. She has acted alongside Uttam Kumar, another superstar in Bengali films.

In all the films that she was featured in, Suchitra was always the leading lady. Her role made her the first Bengali actress to be awarded in an international film festival.

It was in 2005 when Suchitra refused to accept the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. Instead, she chose to live out of the public eye.

After a successful acting career, Suchitra chose to live as a recluse and shunned all public appearances. Her legacy lives through her daughter Moon Moon Sen and granddaughters Raima Sen and Riya Sen who are successful actors.

7. Runa Laila – The Melody Queen

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Runa is another famous Bengali playback singer and composer. She started her career in the Pakistan film industry in the late 1960s.

Laila’s style of singing is inspired by Pakistani playback singer Ahmed Rushdi. She is also a playback singer in films like The Rain (1976), Jadur Banshi (1977), Accident (1989), Ontore Ontore (1994), Devdas (2013) and Priya Tumi Shukhi Hou (2014).

Through these films, Runa received seven Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer.  In 2018, she won the Best Music Composer award for the film Ekti Cinemar Golpo. Runa’s best-known number is Dama Dam Mast Qalandar.

8. Jibanananda Das – The Poetic Visionary

Jibanananda Das was a poet, writer, novelist, and essayist. He is regarded as the pioneer of poetry in the post-Tagore era in India and Bangladesh.

One of his translators named him Bengal’s greatest modern and best-loved poet. His writing is described as conscious and uniting. Other poets have described Das as eclectic and as one who does not fit any classification.

Das has published 7 volumes of his poems. More of his writings were discovered after his death. They were short stories and novels. He died after he was hit by a tramcar. Some people believe it was attempted suicide.

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9. Meghnad Saha – The Scientific Luminary

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Meghnad Saha was an Indian astrophysicist best known for his development of the Saha ionization equation. This equation is used to describe chemical and physical conditions in stars.

Through his work, astronomers can get accurate spectral classes of stars to their actual temperatures. His equation was perfected by the British astrophysicist Edward A. Milne.

Other than physics, Saha was interested in ancient history and archaeology. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times. Also, in 1952 Meghnad Saha was elected to the Parliament of India.

10. Fazlur Khan – The Architectural Innovator

Fazlur Rahman Khan was a structural engineer and architect, who initiated structural systems that form the basis of tall building construction today.

Rahman is regarded as the father of tubular designs for skyscrapers, making him an icon in both architecture and structural engineering.

He was the first architect to use computers for design and engineering. Furthermore, he encouraged other engineers and architects to use computers for structural engineering. Khan designed the Willis Tower which is the 2^nd tallest building in the United States.

11. Maqsudul Alam – The Biotechnology Trailblazer

Maqsudul Alam was a kife-science scientist who is known for his work in genome sequencing. He earned his first Ph.D. degree in microbiology from Moscow State University in 1979. He earned his second Ph.D. in biochemistry from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in 1987.

Additionally, he worked on the Hawaii Papaya Genome Project in 2007. Together with his team, he sequenced the transgenic papaya to help the farmers get through the regulatory process.

Later in 2009, Maqsudul established research facilities, and research programs, and worked on genome sequencing of rubber trees at the University of Sains Malaysia.

12. Arun Kumar Basak – The Visionary Artist

Arun Kumar is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Physics University of Rajshahi. Further, he was appointed as an Associate Professor in 1978 by the University of Dhaka. He was awarded a merit scholarship for securing the highest grades in the Faculty of Science and was admitted to Imperial College, London.

In 1972, Arun went to the University of Birmingham with a Commonwealth Scholarship. He later earned his Ph.D. degree in 1975.

13. Hiralal Sen – The Pioneer Filmmaker

Hiralal Sen was considered one of India’s first filmmakers. He is credited with creating India’s first advertising film and first political film. Between 1901 and 1904, Hiralal produced many films for Classic Theatre including Hariraj, Buddhadev, and Bhramar.

On top of that, the longest film he produced was titled Alibaba and the Forty Thieves (1944). It was based on an original Classic Theatre performance. However, in 1917, all of his films were destroyed in a fire.

14. Ahmed Sofa – The Literary Maverick

Ahmed Sofa was a writer, thinker, poet, philosopher, public intellectual, and novelist. He wrote 18 non-fiction books, 4 collections of short stories, 8 novels, and 2 collections of short stories. 

Over the years, Ahmed inspired, influenced, and guided many writers, filmmakers, artists, painters, and intellectuals. Some of them include Muhammed Zafar, Farhad Mazhar, and Humayun Ahmed.

Besides, Ahmed rejected the Lekhak Shibir Award and the Sa’dat Ali Akanda Award that was offered by Bangla Academy. In 2002, he was awarded Ekushe Padak posthumously by the Government of Bangladesh. 

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15. Shahidul Alam – The Advocate Through Lens

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Shahidul is a photojournalist, teacher, and social activist. He has been a photographer for more than forty years.

In 1989, he founded the Drik Picture Library. He also founded the Pathshala South Asian Media Institute in Dhaka in 1998. The institute has trained hundreds of photographers. 

Currently, He is a visiting professor at the University of Sunderland in the UK. He was one of the Persons of the Year list by Time magazine in 2018.

16. Zahir Raihan – The Filmmaking Maestro

Zahir Raihan was a pioneering Bangladeshi filmmaker who transformed the country’s cinema in the 1950s and 1960s. With films like Jibon Theke Neya (1970), Raihan introduced realism and addressed critical social issues head-on. His technical innovations also enriched the craft of filmmaking in Bangladesh.

Moreover, Raihan co-founded the East Pakistan Film Development Corporation which promoted the nascent film industry. Through his powerful cinema, he gave voice to the struggles of the marginalized and brought their stories to the forefront. Raihan’s films captured the quest for human rights and social justice in East Pakistan in that era.

17. Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain – The Feminist Trailblazer

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Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain was a progressive feminist writer who advocated for women’s rights in early 20th-century British India. She courageously challenged the conservative society by insisting on female education.

Moreover, Hossain founded schools for Muslim girls despite fierce opposition. Her prescient fable Sultana’s Dream (1905) envisioned a gender-reversed society where women held power. Hossain’s seminal writing highlighted the importance of women’s education, employment, and freedom.

She co-founded the Muslim Women’s Association to advance women’s activism. Hossain’s tremendous courage and conviction made her a true pioneer of women’s emancipation in South Asia.

18. Aparna Sen – The Renaissance Woman

Aparna Sen is one of the most respected actresses and filmmakers in Indian cinema who has excelled in many creative fields. She initially gained critical acclaim as an actor in both mainstream and parallel cinema.

Later, Sen made her mark as a pathbreaking director of films that highlight complex human relationships and women’s issues. She has also authored stories and books besides her rich contributions to films.

Subsequently, both as an actor and director, Sen is acclaimed for her sensitive portrayal of female experiences and quest for identity. Her artistic sensibility and eloquent storytelling make Sen a towering figure in Indian cinema.

19. Amartya Sen – The Nobel Laureate Economist

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Amartya Sen is an acclaimed Indian economist who won the Nobel Prize for his far-reaching contributions to development economics. His groundbreaking research expanded the discourse on poverty, inequality, and human rights.

Additionally, Sen pioneered the ‘capability approach’ which evaluates poverty in terms of deprivation of basic capabilities. His work has influenced policy globally, emphasizing health, education, and freedom as key goals of development.

Also, concepts like ‘food entitlement’ pioneered by Sen have been hugely impactful. By incorporating philosophical dimensions into economic analysis, Sen has fundamentally changed how we understand poverty and development.

20. Abul Kalam Azad – The Freedom Fighter

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Abul Kalam Azad prominently led India’s freedom struggle through his inspiring patriotism and advocacy of Hindu-Muslim unity. As a young man, Azad was stirred by Gandhi‘s ideas and campaigned to ignite national consciousness through his writings.

Better still, he strengthened communal harmony in the Indian National Congress as its president. Azad coordinated the civil disobedience campaigns, going to jail several times. His passionate efforts brought millions of Indians into the freedom movement.

Further, Azad opposed the partition of India and continued championing secularism after independence. As India’s first education minister, he laid the foundations of the national education system. Azad remains an exemplary freedom fighter.

Top 15 Interesting Facts about Bangladeshi People

1. Bangladeshi People Speak Bangla as the Official Language

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With approximately 98% of Bangladeshis speaking Bangla as their native language, it is no surprise that Bangla is the official language of Bangladesh. The Bengali language is an important part of the cultural identity of the people and connects them across geographical boundaries.

Furthermore, in 1999, UNESCO recognized the 21st of February as International Mother Language Day in tribute to the Bengali language movement of 1952, underscoring Bangla’s rich heritage.

To boot, Bangla binds together people of different faiths and backgrounds in Bangladesh. The annual Pahela Baishakh celebrations marking the Bengali New Year also reiterate their linguistic identity.

2. Bangladeshi People Have a Long Tradition of Rich Literature

Bangladesh has a long and rich tradition of literature, with the Bangla language boasting supporters like Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Michael Madhusudan Dutt, and Shamsur Rahman.

Additionally, Bangladesh also has a rich folk heritage, with legends and ballads that provide a vivid glimpse into the cultural heritage of the past. The Baul tradition of folk music and poetry is integral to Bengali culture.

Bangla literature resonates with the voices of revolution, humanism, and romanticism that express the community’s aspirations. The Ekushey Book Fair and various literary awards yearly honor the literary legacy of the country.

3. Bangladesh Citizens Enjoy Distinctive and Diverse Cuisine

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Bangladeshi cuisine is distinctive and diverse, incorporating varied influences. The staple food is rice, usually consumed with a wide range of curries, vegetables, lentils, and fish.

Over and above that, traditional favorites include rich preparations like biryani, korma, and pulao. The influence of Mughlai cuisine stemming from historical ties is evident. The sweet tradition also stands out, with delectable sweets like rasgulla, Sandesh, and rosogolla which are special treats in Bengali.

To boot, bananas are delicacies in Bangladesh and are used creatively in dishes. The cuisine seamlessly blends aromas and textures, with seasonal produce adding color and flair. The food habits are rooted in health and community.

4. They Have a Vibrant Festive Culture

Festivals form an intrinsic part of Bengali culture, with Bangladeshis displaying infectious enthusiasm in musical extravaganzas during celebrations. The two Eids, Muharram, Durga Puja, and Buddha Purnima are marked by both religious and cultural zeal.

Better still, Pohela Baishakh – Bengali New Year – is joyously celebrated as the passage of time is embraced through colorful festivities, including traditional songs and dances.

Further, people across faiths take part in festivals, underscoring the nature of celebrations in the country. Poush mela, a popular annual fair, attracts thousands for cultural performances, handicrafts shopping, and delectable food. The enthusiasm for festivals fosters bonds of unity and friendship across society.

5. Bangladeshi People Boast Rich Textile Traditions

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Bangladesh has a thriving history of textiles and garments traditions. Jamdani saris are prized globally for their exquisite motifs and intricate weaving. The jamdani weaving style employs loom manipulation techniques that are recognized by UNESCO.

Moreover, the country has spearheaded creative innovations in fabrics through natural dyes and varied textures. Bangladesh also has a historic shipbuilding tradition using natural fibers.

Besides, the textile sector contributes significantly to export earnings for the country. Intricate Kantha quilts are unique handicrafts. With weaving practices passed down through generations, the textile heritage is an important cultural hallmark of the community.

6. They Pride Themselves in Spectacular Natural Scenic Beauty

Bangladesh is endowed with varied natural beauty, from the world’s longest unbroken sea beach at Cox’s Bazar to the picturesque Sundarbans mangrove forest. The serene tea gardens of Sylhet offer refreshing views of undulating hills and plantations.

To add on, the Ratargul Swamp Forest’s unique biodiversity delights nature enthusiasts. Bangladesh has lush green parks, elegant mosques and temples, mighty rivers, and vibrant rural life that showcase the splendor and diversity of the landscape.

Many natural sites like the Bisanakandi waterfalls or the Kaptai Lake nestled amid hilly terrain make Bangladesh a treat for avid photographers and nature lovers.

7. Bangladeshi People Adore Music, Poetry, and Dance

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Music, poetry, and dance are integral to the cultural fabric of Bangladesh. The Bhatiali folk music genre, included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, resonates with riverine life. Classical and folk dance forms like Kathak express the joys and sorrows of daily life.

On top of that, Choreography in dance drama blends storytelling with rhythmic body movements. Rabindra sangeet, transcreated songs of Tagore, continue to inspire legions of enthusiasts.

Also, the poetry of wanderer minstrels like Lalon Shah is steeped in humanism and spirituality. Their creative expressions manifest cherished values and philosophies passed down through generations. Musical gatherings ignite enthusiasm and bonding among participants.

8. Bangladeshis are Known for Resilience and Coping Strategies

Bangladeshis have shown tremendous resilience and forged effective coping strategies throughout history in the face of cyclones, floods, and other challenges. Community-based mechanisms provide early warning, evacuation plans, emergency aid, and rehabilitation during frequent natural disasters.

Subsequently, creative solutions like floating schools, farms, and health clinics maintain access to essential services during floods. Women often play leadership roles at the grassroots.

To add on, NGO initiatives have enhanced women’s empowerment. The innovative potential is harnessed through schemes like microcredit. The resilience complements reform initiatives as Bangladesh moves up the development ladder.

9. Bangladeshi People are Proud of their Ethnic Diversity

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Bangladesh is home to diverse ethnic groups like Chakmas, Garos, Santhals, and Manipuris. Each community boasts distinct cuisine, crafts, music, dance, attire, and languages that create a colorful mosaic of cultures.

Moreover, their unique festivals and traditions are integral to national heritage. Though relatively smaller in number, ethnic minorities enrich the pluralistic fabric. Creative expressions like Chakma dance performances enthrall audiences worldwide.

Yet, some groups like Dalits still face socioeconomic challenges. The need to protect minority rights and address their grievances sensitively remains crucial for an inclusive national identity.

10. Bangladeshis are Increasing in Global Presence and Appeal

Driven by initiatives like Digital Bangladesh, the country is rapidly expanding its presence and appeal globally. With its vibrant economy, natural scenic beauty, culture, and reforms, Bangladesh is an emerging tourism destination.

Over and above that, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served on prestigious UN missions worldwide. Bangladesh’s microfinance model and focus on women’s empowerment have drawn international interest. Active diplomacy has boosted strategic relationships and economic linkages.

Also, the Bangladeshi diaspora keeps its cultural roots alive while being important partners in development. The ‘made in Bangladesh’ tag on garments resonates globally with quality and cost-efficiency.

11. The Country Consists of a Youthful and Ambitious Population

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With a median age of 27.2 years, Bangladesh’s population is predominantly young, ambitious, and forward-looking. The demographic potential is being increasingly harnessed through skill development and employment schemes.

Additionally, female education and workforce participation are rising steadily. The tech-savvy youth is powering the digital revolution and business innovations in the country. Volunteerism and social awareness have increased among youth groups.

But, quality education and adequate employment remain key policy priorities. If nurtured well, the youthful population could be the engine of sustainable growth and change.

12. Bangladeshis are the Inventors of Microcredit and Other Social Businesses 

Bangladesh is recognized as the cradle of microcredit, with pioneers like Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus starting the microfinance revolution for poverty alleviation through the iconic Grameen Bank.

To add on, Bangladesh models like Grameen Telecom’s Village Phone Program set global benchmarks for rural connectivity. Social business enterprises are gaining currency. Prothom Alo is the largest circulating newspaper in Bangla.

Furthermore, the organization BRAC (Building Resources Across Communities ) sustained impact and outreach highlights how homegrown development models can achieve transformational change. Such pioneering institutions put Bangladesh on the global map. They provide meaningful solutions by effectively addressing grassroots challenges.

13. They Have Cricket Fanfare and Passion

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Cricket is like a religion that binds together Bangladeshis from all walks of life. The enthusiasm reaches a fever pitch during international matches and major tournaments.

Even as football and kabaddi gain more traction, nothing can displace cricket’s privileged status. From makeshift pitches in villages to thronging stadium crowds, cricket inspires passion. When the national team achieves victories and milestones, celebrations erupt on the streets.

What’s more, cricket icons top the ladder of national celebrities. Beyond entertainment, cricket also acts as an important social glue fostering solidarity and hope during difficult times.

14. Bangladeshi People Appreciate Rich Flavors in Food

Bangladeshi cuisine reflects a delicate balance of flavors that excite the taste buds. Extensive use of local spices like panch phoron (five-spice mix) adds a unique aroma and taste.

Mustard oil is the cooking medium in Bengali dishes. Dals cooked with vegetables and cubed potatoes serve as comforting daily meals. Ilish fish cooked in mustard or coconut-based gravies is a delicacy. Sweets occupy an integral place in cuisine, especially during festivals.

Besides, confections like kalo-jam are prepared from milk solids. Meals traditionally end with paan as a mouth freshener. The cuisine offers a medley of nutritious, aromatic, and appetizing vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare.

15. Their Hospitality and Etiquette is Marvelous

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Hospitality is integral to the Bangladeshi ethos. Guests are treated with honor and consideration. Even strangers are welcomed cordially into homes. People strive to accommodate guests warmly.

Furthermore, festivals mean lavish meals and celebrations with extended family, friends, and neighbors. Elders are respected, with youngsters touching their feet to seek blessings. Guests are presented with gifts like seasonal fruits.

Moreover, communication encompasses gestures like handshakes or touching one’s chest to convey gratitude. Subtle distinction govern politely avoiding foods one cannot consume. These everyday etiquette rituals reflect cherished cultural values like courtesy, deference, and community spirit.

The contributions of famous Bangladeshi people across various fields have not only brought honor to the nation but have also inspired countless individuals around the world. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. As we celebrate their achievements, let us also appreciate these truths about Bangladeshi people that help us understand what makes Bangladeshi people unique. Such as their love for diversity, their service to humanity, their love for cricket, and much more.