Selina Hossain

Selina Hossain, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated and accomplished novelists, was born on 14 June 1947 to A. K. Mosharrof Hossain and Mariamennesa Bakul. Her literary journey has been one of dedication, depth, and imagination, shaping the course of modern Bengali fiction for more than five decades. Educated at Rajshahi University, where she completed her Master of Arts in Bengali language and literature in 1968, Selina developed a lifelong passion for storytelling that reflected the soul of her society—its struggles, its dreams, and its changing tides.

From the very beginning of her career, Selina Hossain’s fiction carried the weight of human experience. Her early works such as Jolochchhas (1972) and Josnay Shurjo Jala (1973) revealed her sharp sense of realism and her ability to weave complex emotions into artful narratives. It was, however, the publication of Hangor Nodi Grenade in 1976 that established her as a defining voice in Bengali literature. Set against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, the novel captured the moral courage and silent heroism of common people, resonating deeply with readers across generations.

Over the years, her pen produced an extraordinary range of novels including Magna Caitanye Shis, Poka Makorer Ghor Bosoti, Bhumi O Kusum, and Guerilla O Beerangona. In fact, Bhumi O Kusum achieved particular significance as the first novel in Bengali literature to address the intricate enclave issue between Bangladesh and India, proving Selina’s fearless engagement with socio-political realities. Her stories often explore the intersections of gender, humanity, and nature, illuminating the beauty and pain of existence with equal grace. Through works such as Neel Moyurer Joubon, Tanaporen, Jomuna Nodir Mushayra, and August-er Ak Raat, she continued to experiment with voice, perspective, and theme, ensuring that her writing never stood still.

Selina’s creativity extended beyond novels to short fiction, where she balanced brevity with emotional intensity. Collections like Utso Theke Nirontor, Porojonmo, and Narir Rupkotha showcase her delicate craftsmanship and her keen ability to portray women’s inner worlds with empathy and strength. Her short stories span a wide temporal and thematic range—sometimes nostalgic, sometimes sharply contemporary—but always infused with the author’s compassionate lens.

Her contributions to literature are mirrored by her influential roles in cultural and governmental institutions. Over the years, she has served as Director and later as President of the Bangla Academy, as well as Chairperson of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy from 2014 to 2018. She represented Bangladesh on international platforms including UNESCO, and her voice carried the resonance of a nation proud of its literary and cultural identity. Even after decades of service, her passion for nurturing young generations of writers never waned; she continues to inspire through both example and mentorship.

Recognition naturally followed her dedication. Beginning with the Dr. Muhammad Enamul Huq Gold Medal in 1969, Selina has been showered with national and international honors. She received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1980, the Alaol Literary Award in 1981, the Ekushey Padak in 2009, and the highest national recognition—the Independence Day Award—in 2018. Her distinction as a literary ambassador was further acknowledged when Rabindra Bharati University conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Literature in 2010, highlighting her impact beyond national boundaries. The SAARC Literary Award and the Premchand Fellowship of Sahitya Akademi further reinforced her stature as a cultural icon of South Asia.

What distinguishes Selina Hossain from many of her contemporaries is not only her prolific output but the moral and emotional clarity that defines her artistic vision. In a career spanning half a century, she has transformed stories from simple narratives into mirrors reflecting the social conscience of Bangladesh. Her novels and short stories, widely translated into English, Russian, French, Japanese, Korean, Finnish, and Malay, continue to reach new readers worldwide, carrying with them the cadence and color of Bengali life.

Through her pen, Selina Hossain has become more than just a novelist—she is a chronicler of her nation’s spirit, a voice for women, and a bridge between art and activism. Even after stepping down from her official position as President of the Bangla Academy in 2024, her words continue to echo across generations, reminding readers that literature, when driven by truth and compassion, can transcend both time and language. Her enduring legacy stands as a testament to the power of stories that illuminate humanity while holding fast to the cultural roots from which they grow.

Selina Hossain’s prolific writing career spans numerous novels and short stories. Some of her notable novels include:

• “Josnay Shurjo Jala” (1973)
• “Jolochchhas” (1972)
• “Hangor Nodi Grenade” (1976)
• “Magna Caitanye Shis” (1979)
• “Japito Jibon” (1981)
• “Podoshobdo” (1982)
• “Neel Moyurer Joubon” (1983)
• “Chand Bene” (1984)
• “Poka Makorer Ghor Bosoti” (1986)
• “Nirontor Ghontadhoni” (1987)
• “Ksharan” (1988)
• “Katatare Projapoti” (1989)
• “Khun O Bhalobasha” (1990)
• “Kalketu and Fullora” (1992)
• “Bhalobasha Pritilota” (1992)
• “Tanaporen” (1994)
• “Gayetree Shondha” (1996)
• “Dipannita” (1997)
• “Joddha” (1998)
• “Kaktarua” (1999)
• “Lara” (2000)
• “Kathkoylar Chhobi” (2001)
• “Mohinir Biye” (2002)
• “Anobic Andhar” (2003)
• “Ghumkature Ishwar” (2004)
• “Morger Neelpakhi” (2005)
• “Opekkha” (2007)
• “Deener Roshite Gittu” (2007)
• “Mati O Shossher Bunon” (2007)
• “Purno Chobir Mognota” (2008)
• “Bhumi O Kushum” (2010)
• “Jomuna Nodir Mushayra” (2011)
• “Gachhtir Chhaya Nai” (2012)
• “Shonali Dumur” (2012)
• “August-er Ak Raat” (2013)
• “Guerilla O Beerangona” (2014)
• “Dinkaler Kathkhor” (2015)

Her short story collections include:

• “Utso Theke Nirontor” (1969)
• “Jolobotee Megher Batash” (1975)
• “Khol Korotal” (1982)
• “Porojonmo” (1986)
• “Manushti” (1993)
• “Motijaner Meyera” (1995)
• “Onura Purnima” (2008)
• “Sokhinar Chondrakola” (2008)
• “Ekaler Pantaburi” (2008)
• “Obelar Dinkhon” (2009)
• “Narir Rupkotha” (2009)
• “Nunpantar Goragori” (2014)
• “Mrityur Nilpadma” (2015)

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her career, Selina Hossain has been honored with several awards recognizing her literary excellence and contributions to culture:

• Dr. Muhammad Enamul Huq Gold Medal (1969)
• Bangla Academy Literary Award (1980)
• Alaol Literary Award (1981)
• Kamar Mushtari Memorial Prize (1987)
• Philips Literary Prize (1994)
• Alakta Literary Award (1994)
• Premchand Fellowship of Sahitya Akademi
• Ekushey Padak (2009)
• Rabindra Smriti Puraskar by IIPM, New Delhi (2010)
• Chandrabati Academy Gold Medal (2010)
• International Award for Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) from Rabindra Bharati University (2010)
• Surma Choudhury Memorial Award by IIPM, New Delhi (2011)
• SAARC Literary Award (2015)
• Independence Day Award (2018)

Selina Hossain Selina Hussain

Last modified: November 24, 2025