[2] Zaman was born Chowdhury Badruzzaman[3] on January 28, 1933, in Burdwan, the second of eight siblings.
His father Choudhury Azfar Hossain was a lawyer by profession, but became terribly ill and was unable to support his family.
He also engaged in charitable works, providing food, shelter and education.
He then entered the film industry, playing roles in Jibon Thekey Neya, 13 No.
Feku Ostagar Lane, and Kagojer Nouka.