Renowned writer, researcher and former Bangla Academy director Bashir Al Helal was born on January 6, 1936 in Murshidabad, British India.

He completed his MA in Bangla from Calcutta University in 1956. He started his professional life in a newspaper in Kolkata.

He joined Bangla Academy as assistant-principal of the translation department in 1967. He worked in different departments of the academy and retired from the academy in 1994 as a director.

Bashir Al Helal was an eminent translator, children’s book writer, essayist and researcher.

Some of his major works are Kalo Ilish, Anarasher Hashi, Kandari, Kishor Bangla Uccharan Manjari, Bangla Bhashar Nanan Bibechana, Bangla Gadya, Amader Kabita, Bhasha Andoloner Shei Mohonay, Principal Ibrahim Kha, Belgrader Dak, Tader Shristhir Path, Ghritakumari, Jiboner Shukh, Shesh Panpatra, Nurjahander Madhumash, Shishirer Desh Obhijan and others.

He also wrote two quintessential titles: Bhasha Andolaner Itihash and Bangla Academir Itihash. He also translated the Hamoodur Rahman Commission report on the 1971 genocide from Urdu.

Bashir Al Helal received Alaol Literary Award in 1991 and Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1993.

He died on August 31, 2021.