'The Ballad of Ayesha' launched at Batighar

In a festive atmosphere of Batighar, Anisul Hoque's book Ayeshamangal's English translation The Ballad of Ayesha, launched with the presence of writers, poets and cultural personalities. The book launch was hosted by Batighar in association with HarperCollins Publishers India on July 20. The book was translated by journalist Inam Ahmed.

The event started with prominent singer Farzana Wahid Shayan quoting Banglar Akaash Rakhibo Mukto from Ayeshamangal before her performance, which set a patriotic mood for the audience from the very beginning. Through Ayesha's story, The Ballad of Ayesha shows the struggle of those who fought for our freedom; the freedom that we owe to those who once fought for us.

Anisul Hoque in the event spoke about his journey and inspiration behind this book. Initially, Ayeshamangal was inspired by a woman who once came to Bhorer Kagoj to inquire about her husband's execution in 1977's military coup, after Bhorer Kagoj started publishing the news of executions. However, Anisul Hoque believes that the translation by Inam Ahmed has surpassed the Bengali version in excellence. Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam talked about the importance of translation and how with good translation, Bengali Literature can reach out to the world. Minister of Cultural Affairs, Asaduzzaman Noor, MP also talked about how delighted he was to have finished reading The Ballad of Ayesha.

Poet Kamal Chowdhury, Professor Mohit Kamal and many others were present at the event, which was moderated by Elita Karim.

The Ballad of Ayesha was available in book stores since June 1 and very soon, the telefilm titled Ayesha by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki will be aired on Channel i in the upcoming Eid.