Salahuddin Ahmed Anton

Bangladeshi social reformer who pioneered secular education and women's rights in rural communities.

Salahuddin Ahmed Anton (1932–2007) founded the Nalta Sharif School in Satkhira, Bangladesh, providing free education to underprivileged children. Rejecting madrasa orthodoxy, his curriculum blended science, literature, and gender equality. He established one of Bangladesh's first co-ed schools in 1961, facing threats from religious extremists.

Anton also launched microcredit programs for women through Grameen-inspired initiatives. His memoir 『The Light in the Swamp』 details his struggle against poverty and superstition. A 2019 documentary 『Anton's Legacy』 showcased alumni becoming doctors and engineers in marginalized areas.

Though less known internationally, his model inspired Bangladesh's BRAC NGO network. The Nalta School now serves 2,000+ students annually, a testament to his grassroots impact.