Today marks the 43th death anniversary of Bengali litterateur, scholar, social reformer Principal Ibrahim Khan. He was born in a humble peasant family the year 1894.
Khan never let his ancestral background prevent him from receiving an education. In 1912, he passed the Entrance Examination from Pingna High School and went on pursue Fine Art from Anandamohan College in 1914 and BA Honours from St. Paul's CM College in 1916. He also pursued a degree in law in the year 1918.
He embarked on his career as an educator by joining as the Headmaster of Karatia High School. Subsequently he became the Principal of the newly established Sadat college. This is the reason Ibrahim Khan is referred to as Principal Ibrahim Khan.
He was elected a member of the Bengal Legislative Assembly in 1946 and of the Constituent Assembly in 1953. He was President of the Primary Teachers’ Association from 1947 to 1971 and of the East Pakistan Secondary Education Board from 1948 to 1952, as recorded in Banglapedia.
Khan was highly inspired by the Muslim Renaissance, and it was also evident in his literary works. His works focused on Muslim heroes, leaders and his travelogues were about nations ruled by historic Muslim leaders.
Some one his most recognized works include: Kamal Pasha (1927), Anwar Pasha (1939), Istambul Yatrir Patra (1954), Beduiner Deshe (1956).
The titles of Khan Bahadur and Khan Sahib was conferred to him by the British government. Later, the Pakistan government conferred him the title of “Sitara-i-Imtiaz.’
The Bangladesh government awarded him The Ekushey Padak for his rich contribution to Bangla Literature. He passed away on 29 March 1978.