From the notion that poetry should not be lost, I have enfolded them with cover

Poet Nadim Mahmud started writing poetry during his school life. His third poetry book, "Neël Pajar Putechhi Shoru Golite" has been published by Jagotik Prokashana, at this year's book fair. Mahfuz Sardar from Views Bangladesh has discussed with him about his poetry, ideas, writing, and book fairs.

Views Bangladesh: Your third poetry book, "Neël Pajar Putechhi Shoru Golite", has been published in this year's book fair. How are you receiving the response? What kind of writing can we expect from you in the future?
Nadim Mahmud: My third poetry book, ""Neël Pajar Putechhi Shoru Golite", was published at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2024. Compared to my previous two books, the poems in this collection are more powerful, and I am pleased to have received positive feedback from poets, friends, critics, and readers alike. If time permits, I have planned to present a new theme at the next book fair, and I must mention that no one in Bangladesh has worked on this theme yet.

Views Bangladesh: When did you start writing? And where was your first poem published?
Nadim Mahmud: I started writing poetry from my school life, inspired by my teacher Saim Aninda, who was also a poet himself. Since then, I have written many poems, I have lost many of them, however. I have enfolded them with cover so that the poems do not get lost again. Many of my poems have got a place in various national dailies and local newspapers' special editions. My first poem was published in a local newspaper.

Views Bangladesh: Whose poems do you like among contemporary poets?
Nadim Mahmud: I like the poetry of many contemporary poets. I particularly enjoy the works of Tokon Thakur, Sarkar Masud, Kamruzzaman Kamu, Mahbub Kabir, Juel Majhar, Ali Afzal Khan, Masud Khan, Piyas Majid, Rifat Chowdhury, and many others.

Views Bangladesh: What kind of difference do you notice between the poetry of the two Bengals today?
Nadim Mahmud: One notable difference between the poets of the two Bengals is always apparent. Since poetry reacts to various social, political, and economic aspects, there will naturally be differences due to these circumstances.

Views Bangladesh: There are allegations that the poems of this generation's poets are not intelligible. What is your opinion on this matter?
Nadim Mahmud: I don't really know how to give this answer. It requires a lengthy response. However, I'll try to keep it concise. There are two types of people who say such things. One, those who don't read poetry, and two, when it comes to traditionalists, you often hear such comments. The world is ever-changing, and one must adapt to change. If the poet Jibanananda Das himself had not created a new genre by ending the Kallol era, I wonder if we would still be enjoying the taste of modern poetry today."

Views Bangladesh: What are your comments on this year's book fair?
Nadeem Mahmud: Like previous years, the fair authorities have continued their mismanagement. Extreme inefficiency was observed in stall arrangement. Hopefully, in the upcoming fair, they will pay vigilant attention to small stalls and little mags.

Views Bangladesh: Thank you so much.
Nadim Mahmud: Thank you too.