‘Apotti Shotteyo’— Mohammad Al-Masum Molla’s collection of poetry layered with political satire
The poetry collection, Apotti Shotteyo (In spite of objection), came out in the first week of the Ekushey Boi Mela. Published by Agamee Prakashani, it is a collection of poems, based on political satire, by Mohammad Al-Masum Molla, Senior Staff Reporter, The Daily Star.
The book consists of 20 poems and rhymes focusing on different prevalent issues. "As journalists, we have many limitations while reporting, and there is very little scope of going out of that," says Masum. "In this book, I tried to bring all of the major issues that we faced last year, in a different angle."
Masum believes that different thoughts can be articulated through poems in a few words. The issues that the book highlights include incidents like the market syndicate, people getting provoked by rumours, various student movements, road accidents, and the role of neighbouring countries on the Rohingya issue, among others.
At a time when talking about political matters is a sensitive issue, it is brave of the writer to highlight the suffocation of people living in the age of global fascism, and political and social constructs. "I have published the book this year, keeping the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in mind. My poems are about contemporary issues," affirms Masum. "My work will provide some food for thought to the readers, regarding the incidents of the past decade."
One of Masum's poem, Manush, was appreciated and recited by prominent Indian actor Sabyasachi Chakraborty, during his recent visit to Bangladesh for his film, Gondi. Another one of his poems was recited by renowned elocutionist Hasan Arif.
The preface of Apotti Shotteyo is written by celebrated critic Syed Manzoorul Islam. The first edition of the book is close to being sold out. It can be collected at BDT 250 from pavilion 1 at the Ekushey Boi Mela 2020.
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