Aly Zaker (6 November 1944 – 27 November 2020) was a renowned Bangladeshi actor, director, and businessman. He was widely regarded as a pioneer in the Bangladeshi theater industry, and his contributions to the field have been widely recognized both within Bangladesh and beyond.
Born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, Zaker completed his early education in Dhaka before moving to the United States to pursue higher studies. He obtained a degree in economics from the University of Chicago and later a master’s degree in drama from the University of Michigan. He also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
After returning to Bangladesh in the early 1970s, Zaker co-founded the country’s first English-language theater troupe, Theatre Workshop. Over the next few decades, he became a prominent figure in the Bangladeshi theater scene, directing and acting in numerous productions that explored a range of social and political issues.
In addition to his work in theater, Zaker was also active in the film and television industries. He acted in several notable Bangladeshi films, including “Agami” (1984), “Shyamol Chhaya” (2005), and “Guerrilla” (2011). He was also a regular presence on Bangladeshi television, appearing in a number of popular drama series.
Zaker was also involved in business, co-founding Asiatic Marketing Communications, one of Bangladesh’s largest advertising agencies. He was also active in various social and philanthropic causes, serving as a board member of several organizations dedicated to education and healthcare.
Throughout his career, Zaker received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Bangladeshi culture and society. These included the Ekushey Padak, one of Bangladesh’s highest civilian honors, as well as the Shilpakala Academy Award, the Bangladesh National Film Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Theatre Institute.
Zaker passed away on November 27, 2020, at the age of 76. His death was widely mourned throughout Bangladesh and beyond, with many paying tribute to his immense talent, creativity, and impact on Bangladeshi culture.