A distinguished son of Gomdandi Bahaddar Para in Boalkhali Upazila of Chittagong, spiritual Sufi saint, spiritual researcher, lyricist, economist, social worker and successful businessman Abul Kalam (Bhola) is still remembered in the hearts of people through his multifaceted career, human service and spiritual pursuits.

He was born on January 15, 1943, in a noble and religious family in Gomdandi Bahaddar Para. Raised in an environment of Sufism and spiritual practice in his family, Abul Kalam received education in morality, religious values ​​and human service from childhood.

Despite financial hardships, he passed his matriculation in 1960 and started his career as a temporary clerk in the Chittagong Port Haj Office. Later, he served in various banks, shipping companies and industrial institutions. Along with his job, he pursued higher education and obtained a B.Com degree. After Bangladesh became independent, he devoted himself to business and earned a reputation as a successful businessman through honesty, efficiency and hard work. However, business success never made him self-centered.

Rather, he devoted himself to social welfare, education and human service. He was a former member of the central committee of the Bangladesh Hardware and Machinery Merchants Association, and served on various advisory committees of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was also a member of the executive committee of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, Chittagong District Unit, and a lifelong member of the Chittagong Mother and Child Hospital and the Bangladesh Diabetic Association.

His contribution to education and social development was also notable. He served as the former vice chairman of the management committee of Gomdandi Pilot High School. Besides, he served as the General Secretary of the Khair Manzil Darbar Sharif Waqf Estate Management Committee for 18 years and played an important role in the development, expansion and promotion of spiritual literature of the Darbar before his death on December 19, 2015.

Under his leadership, various development activities of Darbar Sharif were implemented and he became known as a successful organizer among the devotees. His numerous research articles on economy, industrialization, national revenue, employment, agro-based industries and poverty alleviation have been published in various national and regional newspapers.

His writings have highlighted various nationally important issues including Chittagong-centric development ideas, airport expansion, bridge construction, coastal development. The book “Bikalpa Bhabbana” was published as a collection of these articles. He was also exceptional in the field of spiritual pursuits and research.

Through long research, meditation and self-purification, he wrote a theoretical book called “Atmdarshan”, which is appreciated as an important work on Islamic philosophy, Tasawwuf, self-purification and spiritual life. In addition, his collection of prophetic songs “Surati” has gained wide appreciation among spiritual music lovers.

He was a registered lyricist of Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television. Many of his songs have been performed by famous artists of the country. He received honors and crests from various organizations and institutions for his literary, research, social service and spiritual contributions.

On April 14, 1974, Abul Kalam (Bhola) married Hosne Ara Lusa. They have three sons and two daughters in their family. Among them, the eldest son Mostafa Kamal Manik is currently serving as the Khair Monjil Darbar Sharif.