Poet Soumya Salek at the Book Fair with ‘Bingsha-Ekbingsha’

Soumya Salek is a significant poet of the second decade of the current century. Five of his poetry books have been published before. ‘Shirpeera o Annaya Songbed’ (Headache and Other Senses), `patajarar Orchestra’ (Orchestra of Leaf Foliage), and `Park Benchere kabita’ (Poems of Park Benches) are his notable poetry books. In addition to poetry, he writes travelogues and essays. After visiting Egypt, he had written, ‘Momer Putul Mumir Deshe’ (In the land of wax dolls). His previously published essay book is ‘Shabdha Chitra Mat O Matobad’ (Words, images, opinions and doctrines). This time, He has appeared at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2025 with a new essay book. The title of the book is ‘Bingsha-Ekbingsha’ (20th and 21st century). He has discussed various aspects of poetry, painting, music, drama, literature, and culture in this book. The book is published by Bunon Prakashan. The 144-page book contains twenty-one essays. The book is available at Bunon’s stall, stall number 356 at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair.

Soumya Salek said about the book, "The inspiration that arises in the heart when experiencing poetry, painting, or art; there is no opportunity for the poet and artist or art lovers to tell it to everyone. Therefore, I have tried to present it openly in the form of writing. If these statements attract even a handful of sincere people from time to time for the sake of the spread of artistic sentiment, intellectual pursuits, analysis of the era, or the welfare of humanity, then I will be satisfied that my labor has been worthwhile.’’

The works in the book ‘Bingsha-Ekbingsha’ include `Madhusudner Atmabilap’ (Madhusudan's Lament), `Jibanandar Jibon Mirtur Dairath’ (Dual Chariot of Jibananda's Life and Death), `Nazruler Bidrahi: Bishabikhar anonya patha ('Nazrul's Rebel: A Unique Path of Worldview), ` Kahlil Gibran o hridoer Adhipatha (Kahlil Gibran and the Domination of the Heart), `Al Mahmuder Shornolekha’ (Al Mahmud's Golden Writing), `Sultaner Ramya Abhinibesh’ (Sultan's delightful intentness), `Poush Faguner Pala’ (Story of the month of Poush Fagun), ` Umm Kulthum o taar Shosraratrir Gathna’ ('Umm Kulthum and Her Tale of a Thousand Nights) and the title essay ‘Bingsha-Ekbingsha’ (20th and 21st century). The author specified that the reason for naming the book 'Bingsha-Ekbingsha’ is that the twentieth century is very significant in the history of human civilization.

The 20th century-born fervent progress is not just moving normally in the 21st century, but is running at breakneck speed. As a result of this speed, there has been a radical change in human life; but has peace come? Or have people become more endangered? The author's research is on which direction the path to human liberation lies under the pressure of science-technology-globalization. He wants to show us in the light of the reinterpretation of art-literature-culture.

The book's cover was designed by poet Khaled Chowdhury. The printed price is 400 taka. The book is also available in online bookstores.