Abul Mansur Ahmad's ideals a weapon against fanaticism

The philosophy and ideals of Abul Mansur Ahmad can greatly help fight the challenges of religious fanaticism and extremism facing the country today, a professor of Jahangirnagar University said yesterday.

Prof Khaled Hossain said Abul Mansur Ahmad's great literary works with a subtle vein of satire skilfully exposed the contemporary political and social absurdity.

“Through his works as a journalist, politician, and writer, Abul Mansur Ahmad inquired into the depths of society with honesty and boldness and revealed the truth,” he added.

The Bangla literature professor was addressing a discussion titled, “Abul Mansur Ahmad: Jiboner Swatto o Satya”. The Bangla department of JU organised the programme at the department's seminar room.

Presiding over the discussion, the department chairman, Prof ASM Abu Dayen, said Abul Mansur Ahmad was a powerful thinker and an extraordinary Bangalee nationalist.

He was a versatile literary genius with remarkable persuasive and reasoning skills, he said.

Abul Mansur Ahmad's works and ideals inspire today's Bangladesh, the professor said. “We have a great responsibility to remember this eminent writer for our own sake.”

Speaking as guest discussant, The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam called upon all to read Abul Mansur Ahmad's works alongside other eminent writers'.

Associate Prof Khorshed Alam of JU presented a short biography of Abul Mansur Ahmad.

Prof Aniruddha Kahaly, Prof Shamima Sultana, and Assistant Professor Uzzwal Kumar Mondol and poet Emran Mahfuz were, among others, present at the discussion. More than 200 students took part in it.