Major Bengali author of novels and short stories, a central figure in the so-called magical realism movement in Bengali literature. His novels and short stories are highly acclaimed for their originality of language and narrative technique using magical realism. He was awarded Prothom Alo Book of the Year Books for his novel "Abu Ibrahimer Mrityu" in 2010. His left behind a family which consisted of 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Stayed at Satkania Model High School and later he went to the Dhaka College for his pre-university course. He also studied Political Science at the University of Dhaka for his bachelor's and master's degrees. He also went to the American University in Washington DC and Birmingham University for higher education. He began his career in 1981 as an Assistant Secretary for the Bangladesh Civil Service. He was serving as Secretary-in-charge of the Ministry for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs till his death in 2008. Zahir was a confirmed bachelor and was often questioned on this.