Anisul Hoque and his world of books

Photo: Atl Aakash

Anisul Hoque gained popularity as an author through his “Godyo-Cartoon” series of articles, short stories and novels. His repertoire also includes poems and scripts for TV dramas and films. The deputy editor of the daily Prothom Alo has won several accolades for his writing, including the Bangla Academy award. “Ma”, a heartwarming novel, is one of the most popular works by the author. In a conversation with The Daily Star, Hoque talked about the Ekushey Boi Mela (book fair) 2013 and a range of other subjects.

---

How many of your books are being published at the fair?
Anisul Hoque: A new novel titled “Ushar Duwarey”, a sequel to last year's novel “Jara Bhor Enechhilo”, is being published this year. Another novel, “Shei Ghumer Por”, is also being published. There will be a children's novel, “Ekattorer Ekdol Dushtu Chhele”, as well. Two books featuring “Goddyo-Cartoon” and “Oronney Rodon” columns will be published. Other books to be published include a poetry compilation, “Tomake Naa Pawar Kobita”. Some other collections will also be published.
Tell us about “Ushar Duwarey”.
Anisul Hoque: The book narrates how Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Tajuddin Ahmed met and grew close. Other characters in the book include Munier Chowdhury and Sarder Fazlul Karim. The book contains historic incidents that took place inside the jail. There are also stories about a female Language Movement activist named Momtaz Begum.
What is the book “Shei Ghumer Por” about?
Anisul Hoque: It's a story about human emotions. If a person is killed in crossfire, then his heirs can inherit his property. But if a person disappears without a trace, then his heirs cannot claim his property for seven years, or cannot even withdraw money from his bank account. His widow cannot remarry. Darkness descends on the family of a person who disappears; it's an emotional catastrophe. I wanted to shed light on this situation through a fictional family in this novel.
What are your aspirations regarding writing?
Anisul Hoque: I wish to write about issues and subjects that will be talked about both in Bangladesh and among the Bangla speaking populace in other countries. My novel “Ma” has been translated in English and published from Delhi. Now I want to publish it from New York. I want my writing to be published across the world. Since I write in Bangla, my first aspiration is to reach the people of Bangladesh.
Does Bangladeshi literature live up to the international standards?
Anisul Hoque:,/b> I think our literature is of international standards. We have writers like Akhtaruzzaman Elias, Hasan Azizul Haq, Al Mahmud. We also had Manik Bandopadhyay, Jibanananda Das, Shamsur Rahman. Each of them gave us works of international standards. But they were not recognised globally. I want our contemporary writers to get the international recognition they deserve. This wish is not only for me but for everyone else. My friend Mostofa Sarwar Farooki has entered the international arena with his films. We want to do the same with literature.
What are your expectations from this year's book fair?
Anisul Hoque: Each year, I have the same expectation. This is not only a fair of books, but also a cause to celebrate creativity. A lot of books are sold, literature is promoted and the spirit of our nation also wakes up. I expect good book sales, and a proper arrangement of the fair in a safe atmosphere.
Are you addicted to books?
Anisul Hoque: I'm a picky reader. I write novels, but I can't read them. I prefer articles and poetry. Although I don't have a strong habit of reading, whenever I'm reading, I stay completely submerged in that book. I'm a selfish reader. I buy 25 books that I need to research for my own writing, and read them all in two days. That is how I read books.