Selina Hossain is a famous novelist in our country. Her major works include Hangor Nodi Grenade and Poka Makorer Ghor Bosoti. She earned all major national awards - Bangla Academy Literary Award, Ekushey Padak and Independence Day Award. Her novels and short stories have been translated into English, Russian, French, Japanese, Korean, Finnish and Malay.
Hossain is also known as an experimenter and innovator in novel writing, particularly in her use of the techniques of interior monologue. Her novels are noted for their rhythmical and symbolic quality. Most of her novels are connected with time, its passage and the difference between external and inner time. Her works are a moving account of the contemporary social and political crises and conflicts as well as the recurrent cycles of the life of the struggling masses.
Born on June 14, 1947, Hossain is one of the most prolific authors in Bangla literature. She has penned numerous short stories, novels, essays and books for children. Her works on the Language Movement and the Liberation War are considered seminal by readers and critics alike. Some of her works are studied at universities in India and the United States. Her novel 'Bhumi O Kusum' was the first work in Bangla literature to address the enclave issue, which has recently been resolved. After working at the Bangla Academy for a long time, she retired as the director of the Academy. In 2014, Selina Hossain was appointed as the Chairman of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy.
Hossain was born to A. K. Mosharrof Hossain and Mariamennesa Bakul. She earned MA degree in Bengali language and literature from Rajshahi University in 1968. In 1994-95, Hossain won a scholarship from the Ford Foundation for her novel, Sandhya Gayatri. Hossain retired as the director of the Bangla Academy. She served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh and the representative of her government to the Executive Board of UNESCO. In 2014, she was appointed as the Chairman of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy.
Selina Hossain has received many awards, including SAARC Literary Award '15, 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), Ekushey Padak (2009), Rabindra Smriti Puraskar by IIPM. New Delhi (2010), Chandrabati Academy Gold Medal (2010), International Award for Doctor of Literature from the Rabindra Bharati University (2010), Surma Choudhury Memorial Award by IIPM New Delhi (2011), Independence Day Award (2018)
Hossain's significant works include, Josnay Surjyo Jala, Jalochchwas, Hangor Nodi Grenade, Magna Caitanye Shis, Japito Jibon, Podoshobdo, Neel Moyurer Joubon, Chand Bene, Poka Makorer Ghor Bosoti, Nirantar Ghantadhwani, Ksharan, Katatare Prajapati, Khun O Bhalobasa, Kalketu and Fullora, Bhalobasa Pritilata, Tanaparen, Gaayatree Sondhya, Dipannita, Juddha, Kathkoilar Chhobi, Mohinir Biye, Anobic Andhar, Ghumkature Ishwar, Morger Neelpakhi, Opekkha, Deener Roshite Gitthu, Mati-O-Shosshyer Bunon, Purno Chobir Mognota, Vumi-O-Kushum, Jomuna Nodir Mushayra, Gachtir Chaya Nai, Sonali Dumur, Auguster Ekrat, Garila-O-Birongana, Dinkaler Kathkhor, Kaktarua, Utso Theke Nirontor, Jolobotee Megher Batash, Khol Korotal, Porojonmo, Manushti, Motijaner Meyera, Onura Purnima, Sokhinar Chondrakola, Ekaler Pantaburi and others.
The writer is a freelance contributor.
