Discussion on Mohammad Shamsuzzaman's novel 'Nishupta Jagaran' held at World Literature Centre

Discussion on Mohammad Shamsuzzaman's novel 'Nishupta Jagaran' held at World Literature Centre

A discussion on the context and contemporary evaluation of Mohammad Shamsuzzaman's novel 'Nishupta Jagaran' was held at World Literature Centre in the capital on Saturday, June 20. The event was organised by the Science and Culture magazine.

The novel is based on the life and ideals of Abul Hussain, a key organiser of the 'Mukti of Intellect' movement of the Muslim Literary Society.

Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque, President of Bangla Academy, attended the programme as the chief guest. The event was presided over by poet Mahfuz Salam, a member of the editorial board of Science and Culture magazine.

In his speech, Professor Fazlul Haque said, "For the development of any nation, the state must be inclusive. The state will be made up of various ethnic groups. There are rich and poor in society; this will remain, but efforts must be made to reduce the disparity. Injustice and oppression will exist in society, but the effort to practice justice must continue. Everyone must do this together."

The invited speakers discussed the literary merit of the novel, its historical accuracy, and the relevance of the 'Mukti of Intellect' movement in contemporary society. At the beginning, the executive editor of Science and Culture magazine, Naznin Sathi, introduced the magazine. Poet Anarya Naeem provided a brief introduction to Abul Hussain.

Speakers included poet and editor Saikat Habib, fiction writer Moni Haider, writer and educator Principal Pavel Chowdhury, poet and journalist Imran Mahfuz, poet and artist Shishir Mallik, poet and essayist Alamgir Khan, and literary worker Tanzum Sakib.

In his concluding remarks, poet Mahfuz Salam said, "Science and Culture magazine has always encouraged free thought and thoughtful literary practice. Today's successful event is part of that continuity." Poets, writers, researchers and progressive cultural activists from various parts of Dhaka were present. The event was conducted by essayist Riaz Mahmud, a member of the magazine's editorial board.