True writers break free from specific formats

In this year’s book fair, poet and fiction writer Jabbar Al Nayeem’s poetry collection "Atmar Awaz" has been published. In a conversation with him, we discussed the July Uprising, the ongoing politics of the country, and his literary thoughts. The interview was conducted by Mahfuz Sardar on behalf of Views Bangladesh.

Views Bangladesh: After the July Uprising, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025 is being held in the new Bangladesh. Several unpleasant incidents have also occurred centering the book fair this year. What are your thoughts on this?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: Hasn’t the book fair faced unpleasant incidents during the tenure of the Awami League? It has. When was the Adarsha Publication banned? We’ve seen various books being banned. Aren’t these unpleasant events? So, every year when the book fair arrives, we face some kind of incident. However, this year is different from the others. Because in July 2024, the country witnessed a historic event, one that led to the country becoming free from autocracy. After such a fall, it takes two years for the country to return to normalcy. During this period, it’s not unusual for some unpleasant events to occur. The country is no longer being governed by the same people with the same ideology. Political parties are not in power here.

And those who have fled, their followers will not sit idly by; they will continue to create unpleasant incidents. Those in the interim government are powerless at the grassroots level. It must be understood that if the political parties do not have support, the country will move towards even greater instability. However, the fact that the book fair is taking place this year is a remarkable event! If the remaining days go smoothly, it will be considered a cultural victory. Look, some people have boycotted this book fair. However, this has not affected the fair financially. In fact, the boycotters' regrets have increased, and they will continue to grow. Personally, I hope for a vibrant gathering, where everyone attends the book fair and it becomes a purified.

Views Bangladesh: Your poetry collection "Atmar Awaj" has been published at this year’s book fair. Could you share the story behind the publication of this book?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: I initially planned to publish a book of poems about the July Revolution and the fascist era at the 2025 book fair. However, my decision changed later. Although the work on that book is still ongoing, I will release it soon. "Atmar Awaj" is a book of poetry in the Sufi tradition. The Uprising of July 36 was primarily a revolution for people's freedom, but I saw that the freedom of the Sufis was not achieved there. The freedom of the saints or the shrines was not realized. These were attacked, they were assaulted.

I want everyone to be here. No one’s beliefs should be harmed. In protest against this, I have compiled poems written at various times into the poetry collection Atmar Awaj. It should be remembered that no prophet or messenger has ever come to Bengal. Over time, we have embraced Islam through the arrival of Sufis. As a result, the people of this region have hearts that are both soft and passionate, much like the Sufis themselves.

Views Bangladesh: Could you tell us about the beginning of your journey of writing? When was your first piece of writing published?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: I’ve been writing since my childhood. I started with writing rhymes and poems, initially as a hobby. Later, that hobby turned into a profession. Now, I cannot imagine anything other than writing. My first piece was published in a regional newspaper when I was in the 6th or 7th grade.

Views Bangladesh: Besides poetry, what other forms of writing do you engage in?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: Actually, though I started with poetry, during my time in intermediate school, I wrote an incomplete novel in the style of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s Devdas. I named it Babla. However, that novel never saw the light of day. Now, I understand that a true writer should not be confined to any specific format, nor will I be. If possible, one should explore other genres as well.

Views Bangladesh: Where do you draw inspiration for your poetry? From nature or from people?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: People are essentially a part of nature. Almost all writers collect elements from nature. Everything around us, whether fundamental or composite, is nature. Hence, nature constantly drives and inspires the writer.

Views Bangladesh: What do you want to convey through your poetry?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: I want to convey the whole picture. Actually, what I want to say, and how much I want to say, I haven’t been able to express all of it. That too is nature. Every poet and writer in the world is somewhat like that. At the end of the day, it’s writing for the common people. All writers write for the common people. For example, in the 1971 war, Pakistani writers wrote in favor of Pakistan, while Bangladeshi writers wrote in favor of Bangladesh.

Views Bangladesh: The readership for poetry is always low; what do you think is the reason?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: The readership for poetry has never been low. That’s just an assumption. It’s impossible to justify it with mere assumptions. Over time, poetry’s readership has always been significant, and it still is.

Views Bangladesh: What are you currently writing? What are you reading?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: I’m working on the poems I wrote during the July Revolution and the fascist era. I plan to release the book soon. I’m reading sporadically. Since it’s book fair month, whenever I visit the fair, I buy a few books, and those are what I’m flipping through and reading.

Views Bangladesh: How important is a regular reading habit for writers?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: A reading habit is crucial for writers. If a writer maintains a reading habit, it will benefit them greatly. This is undoubtedly true because a good book inspires good writing.

Views Bangladesh: I'd like to know your opinion on the current political situation in Bangladesh, and how would you like to see this state evolve?

Jabbar Al Nayeem: Right now, democracy is being practiced. Everyone is able to express their views. A farmer in a village can now speak out about his likes and dislikes. That’s no small thing. For many, this time is being referred to as the age of over-discussion. But this can also be seen as a necessary part of democracy, where there will be debates and disagreements between parties. In the end, it will benefit the country and its people.

Due to the absence of such debates for 16 years, the people had forgotten about it. Now it’s happening again. I hope that the habit of discussing preferences and dislikes continues. However, there’s a danger in everyone speaking out. If one person speaks on everything, their words will never be entirely correct, so restraint is needed. This sense of restraint should exist. Otherwise, the government will not be able to cater to everyone’s need. Ultimately, one must also consider the country's situation and circumstances. Only then will the country progress.