Ali Amjad Khan

Nawab Ali Amjad Khan (November 1871 – December 1905) was a prominent Bengali nobleman and Zamindar (landowner) of the Prithimpassa family in the Sylhet Division of British India, which is in present-day Bangladesh. He succeeded his father as the 8th Nawab and Zamindar to the vast Prithimpassa estate^[1] and is historically recognized for his role as an early industrialist in the regional tea sector and for his significant civic and philanthropic contributions to Sylhet town. He held the position of an Honorary Magistrate under the colonial administration. He was a member of the 3rd National Assembly of Pakistan as a representative of East Pakistan.^[2]

Ali Amjad Khan was born in November 1871 at the ancestral Prithimpassa Palace in Kulaura Upazila, Moulvibazar District.

The Prithimpassa family, often referred to as the Nawabs of Longla, is an old aristocratic Zamindar family of Shia Muslim lineage. Their progenitor, Sakhi Salamat, was a Persian nobleman who settled in the Longla pargana of Sylhet region in the 15th century.^[3] The family gained prominence through figures like Ismail Khan Lodi and the scholar Nawab Muhammad Rabi Khan Danishmand (d. 1774), who was a respected courtier in Murshidabad. Ali Amjad Khan was the son of Nawab Ali Ahmad Khan (d. 1874), who significantly expanded the estate's income and regional influence.^[4]

He married Syeda Fatima Banu. His sons continued the family's legacy in public life:

• Nawab Ali Haider Khan: A prominent politician who held ministerial posts in the Assam Legislative Assembly.
• Nawab Ali Asghar Khan: Served in the Central Legislative Assembly of British India.

Nawab Ali Amjad Khan's legacy rests on his active efforts to modernize the economy and improve local infrastructure.

Ali Amjad Khan is cited as one of the early pioneers of commercial tea cultivation in the Sylhet region. He established the Rungicherra Tea Estate in Moulvibazar during the late 19th century. This venture was a key part of the family's economic strength and helped solidify Sylhet's future as a major tea-producing area."Seasons come and go". Moulvibazar.com.

His family is indelibly linked to some of Sylhet city's most enduring public landmarks:

• Ali Amjad's Clock (Ghori Ghar): The historic clock tower, situated on the north bank of the Surma River at Chandnighat, is named in his honor. While his father, Nawab Ali Ahmad Khan, is credited with its construction around 1872 or 1874, dedicating it to his young son, the monument remains known by Ali Amjad Khan's name."Ali Amjad's Tower Clock". Daily Sun. 14 April 2018."Ali Amjad's Clock: A Timeless Landmark". Evendo. The structure is considered the oldest clock tower in Bangladesh."Ali Amjad Clock Tower". Offroad Bangladesh.

He financed the construction of steps at Chandnighat and excavated public ponds for clean water supply. He also supported education by establishing local institutions, including the Ali Amjad High School.

Nawab Ali Amjad Khan died in December 1905 in Kolkata at the age of 34. He was buried in the Prithimpassa family cemetery.

Khan was a Member of the 3rd National Assembly of Pakistan representing Dacca-III.^[5] He held the position of an Honorary Magistrate under the colonial administration.