Basic Ali Turns 19: The Enduring Legacy of Bangladesh's Favorite Lazy Graduate

As November 26 approaches, Bangladesh prepares to mark a significant milestone in its pop culture history: the 19th anniversary of the comic strip Basic Ali. Created by cartoonist Sharier Khan, the strip debuted in 2006 in Prothom Alo and, despite shifting publications, remains a daily fixture that provides readers with a sharp, relatable, and much-needed dose of laughter.

For nearly two decades, Basic Ali has skillfully blended witty social commentary with the absurd humor of daily life, making it a mirror for the modern Bangladeshi experience. The story revolves around the Ali family, led by the eponymous Basic Ali—a brilliant but immensely lazy university graduate thrust into the mundane world of banking, where he courts his colleague Riya Haque.

The strip’s success lies in its iconic supporting cast, who embody recognizable archetypes: Talib Ali, the prominent loan defaulter and businessman father; Molly Ali (or "Madest"), the homemaker mother; Nature Ali, the overly fashionable medical student sister; and Magic Ali, the mischievous younger brother. The family's dynamics—from navigating office politics to tackling social hypocrisies—resonate deeply, ensuring that readers see a bit of themselves or their neighbors in every panel.

The Basic Ali universe has continued to expand beyond the daily strip. In recent years, it has successfully transitioned into other media, including a popular live-action comedy series broadcast on Channel i. Furthermore, creator Sharier Khan has continued to innovate, recently releasing the first part of a graphic novel series, Basic Ali Superhero, at the 2025 Ekushey Book Fair. The graphic novel, which introduces a satirical take on superpowers and super-villainy, was described by Khan as a way to satirize "what's been going on in our society."

In a recent interview, Sharier Khan reflected on the journey: "I really enjoy making this. I will continue making it as long as I enjoy doing the craft. With this comic, I enjoy the fact that I get to make people smile, because the world is a very difficult place. This comic is my contribution to the people living in this very difficult country."

Nineteen years later, Basic Ali is not just a comic strip; it is a cultural touchstone that has evolved with the times, reminding audiences that a good laugh can truly go a long way, even in a complex world. The enduring appeal of the strip ensures that the Ali family’s antics will continue to grace the newspaper pages for years to come.