‘He waged war against prejudice, bigotry’
Known across the country as a writer who revitalised Bangalee culture, Abul Mansur Ahmad's life began at Dhanikhola village in Trishal upazila in September 3 in 1898.
At a discussion held in his home ground Mymensingh yesterday, speakers remembered the great figure, saying Abul Mansur Ahmad universalised the culture and identity of Bangalees through his writings.
Speakers also said Abul Mansur Ahmad was a strong combination of his identities, of a Bangalee, a Muslim and a human being, which reflected in his writings and in his role in the political arena as well.
The renowned litterateur, journalist and politician of the Indian subcontinent died in Dhaka on March 18, 1979.
The discussion was titled "The life and work of Abul Mansur Ahmad and its relation with society" (Abul Mansur Ahamd's Jiboni and Sahitya, Samaje Prasangikota). Organised by socio-cultural organisation Sonjibon Jubo Sangstha, it was held at Mymensingh Muslim Institute auditorium.
Bangladesh Open University's Prof Dr Changgish Khan served as the chief guest, while educationist and writer Al Maksud chaired the event.
The meeting was also addressed by Prof Kazi Nasir Mamun, Md Rokun Uddin, Md Jahangir Alam, Ahona Nasrin, and Abul Mansur's family members Amirul Haque Suja, Rayhan Farazi and Anowarul Morshed Fuad, among others.
The speakers said Abul Mansur Ahmad was familiar in his locality since childhood for his protests against the tyranny of local zamindars on different occasions. As a boy, he was aware of the local Muslims' religious superstition and bigotry, which he sought to fight later in his life.
He was also a man of a rare combination of honesty, principles and ideals, the speakers said, adding that we should follow his virtues to create a society free from all kinds of menace.
A superb satirist, a thought-provoking essayist and an astute political commentator, Abul Mansur Ahmad also showed his brilliance in journalism and other forms of literature, making him popular in the undivided Bengal.
Through his satires, he waged war against all forms of bigotry and exploitation in the name of religion and political hypocrisy. The speakers mentioned some of his key works in this regard, including "Atmakatha", "Aina", "Gulliver Er Safarnama", "Sher-e-Bangla Theke Bangabandhu" and "Hujur Kebla".
The speakers also said Abul Mansur Ahmad always stood for the marginalised corners of the society.
Comments