Ali, Maulana Ataher

Ali, Maulana Ataher (1891-1976) Islamic activist, politician and a parliamentarian, was born at Ghangadia Biani Bazar thana of Sylhet district in 1891. His father is Moulvi Azim khan and mother Atera Bibi. He completed his primary and secondary education from Zhingabari Alia Madrasah and got his higher secondary education from Kashemia Rampal Alia Madrasah, Mazahere Ulum Saharanpur and Darul Ulum Dewbondh.

Ataher Ali stared his career as a teacher in various Madrasas including Sylhet Jhingabari Alia Madrasa and Jamia Millia of Comilla. While an Imam of the Kishorgonj Mosque in 1909, he established two madrasas- Jamaea Emdadia Madrasa and Mymensigh Darul Ulum Madrasa.

In 1952, he was elected the Chairman of a newly established political party called Nejame Islami. His party was one of the United Front combine in general elections of 1954. His party got a number of seats in the East Bengal Legislative Assembly.

Atahar Ali authored several books on Islam, which include Parda o Islam, Alwajru Wan Nujru, Islami Shashon Keno ChaiFoodgrain, Bastob Khetre' Samajtantra, Islame Arthobonton Bebosta. He breathed his last on 6 October in 1976 in the premise of Mymensingh Darul Ulum 'Madrasa. [ABM Saiful Islam Siddiqi]