Abul Hasnat's birth anniversary marked with tribute by literary excellence

Prominent writers and literary figures paid tribute to late poet, author and editor Abul Hasnat at a discussion marking his birth anniversary, highlighting his enduring role in shaping generations of young Bengali writers.

The event, titled "New Literature: Dreams and Disillusionment," was organised by Kali O Kolom at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi on Friday (July 17).

Speakers said Abul Hasnat was more than an editor, describing him as a mentor who helped cultivate literary taste, discipline and responsibility among emerging writers. They stressed that an editor's role extends beyond publishing manuscripts to guiding and developing new literary talent.

Renowned novelist Imdadul Haq Milan said Hasnat established a literary standard that continues to inspire contemporary Bengali literature. He noted that Hasnat invested time and effort in nurturing promising writers rather than simply selecting their works for publication.

Poet and Dainik Sangbad literary editor Obayed Akash said editors today bear greater responsibility amid the growing volume of submissions. He emphasized the importance of reviewing manuscripts carefully, providing constructive feedback and encouraging revisions to help writers improve.

Editor Faisal Ahmed also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on literature, saying AI can support research and information gathering but cannot replace human creativity in poetry, fiction or other forms of literary expression.

Opening the programme, Lubna Nahid Chowdhury described Abul Hasnat as a visionary editor and cultural figure whose commitment to young writers helped establish a lasting literary legacy.

The speakers concluded that while aspiring writers may face setbacks, continuous reading, perseverance and thoughtful editorial guidance remain essential to strengthening Bengali literature for future generations.