Chill Bangladesh Thread
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Flynn Swagmire
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সমবেদনা...
Arthur
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Nabil365
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Omg I miss that weather.In SG its blistering hot everyday.
Flynn Swagmire
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.......
@Nabil365 @Khan saheb - it's nice for a day or two...but going on a week? You gotta remember...rain doesn't 'freshen up' Dhaka, like it might other cities around the world.
In Dhaka - it creates massive pot holes, traffic jams, overflowing storm drains, water logging, mud etc etc....
In Dhaka - it creates massive pot holes, traffic jams, overflowing storm drains, water logging, mud etc etc....
Michael Corleone
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Amar obhass hour gese... Amar eka thakte at kharap lage na.
Bhaira Bolen to... amare senior member ke banailo? Ar ei rank er money ta key?
ETA kibabhe upor uthe bujlam na. Prothom ban shesh Howar por dekhlam lekha senior member!
Post er number barar shathe shathe rank bare.
bd_4_ever
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Been there, done that and still doing it.
Not too bad for me. I guess I got used to it.
I'm sorta used to it as well. Got a bit nostalgic yday.
Banglar Bir
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Bangla Kheyal enthrals audience.
A musical evening of ‘Bangla Kheyal,’ compèred by eminent composer and maestro Ustad Azad Rahman, was held under the aegis of the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre at Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka on 21 April. The programme included Bangla Dhrupad, Dhamar, Kheyal, Thumri, Tarana and Ghazals. The performing artistes were Dr. Asit Roy, Professor, Department of Music, Rajshahi University, Dr. Podminee Dey Rupali, Chairman, Department of Music, Rajshahi University, Ms. Alif Laila, Assistant Professor, Jatiyo Kobi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Mymensingh and Mr. Bijon Mistri, Classical Music Teacher, Chayyanaut.
The programme under the direction of Azad Rahaman began with a chorus song performed by 60 participants from Sangskriti Kendra and other teaching institutions. Four eminent classical vocalists of Bangladesh presented Bangla Drupad, Dhamar, Kheyal, Thumri and Bangla Ghazal. The chorus songs were on Raga Vimpolasree – ‘Gayano Joty Jalao’ Raga ahir vhairab – ‘Ma ma bole dako’, Raga poto deep – ‘Sobar upore manus sotto’. Dr. Asit Roy presented Dhamar; Raag- Emon ‘Apon Ronge Khelbo Holi’, Dhrupod- ‘Guru Bondona Kori Ekagro mone’, ‘Tarana’ Raag –Malkaus.
Alif Laila presented Raga: Bhinnosoroj, Kheyal – ‘Anubohbe Bujechhi Bhalobasa’, Thumri; Raga; Pahari – ‘Sotobar eki Kotha Bolbo’. Bijon Mistri presented Raga; Bilombito –‘Ei Manob Jibon’, Kheyal- ‘Kisher o Lagiya Esechi Bhubone’.
Dr. Padmini Dey Rupali presented two Bangla Ghazals ‘Morte Hobe Eka, Eka bacha Jabena’, ‘Bhalobasa Badhe Basha Ontore.’ Dr. Asit Roy presented a Tarana.
Accompanists were Mr. Alamgir Parvez Sumon, Assistant Professor, Rajshahi University, on Pakhoaj, Iftekhar Alam Dollar on Tabla, Mr. Ratan Chandra Mazumder on harmonium, Mr. Bodruzzaman Tushar on Tanpura and Ms. Kaniz Fatema Jeba on Tanpura.
Various adornments of Kheyal
Lighter than dhrupad, kheyal is the second branch of classical music which allows the artiste to freely play with various adornments. It is said that it originated from kawali, a form of devotional song, and modified into kheyal by Hazrat Amir Khasru (1253-1325).
Khayal was popularised by Niyamat Khan who was also known as Sadarang, and his nephew Firoz Khan also known as Adarang, both musicians in the court of Muhammad Shah Rangile (1719–1748).
Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is credited to have composed over three thousand songs many of which are based on Hindustani classical raga. According to renowned musicologists the poet created 17 new raga, namely Arun Bhairab, Arunranjani, Sandhya Malati, Shiva Saraswati, Udasi Bhairab, Devayani, Asha Bhairabi, Shivani Bhairabi, Rudra Bhairab, Bonokuntala, Benuka, Minakshi, Yogini, Shankari, Nirjhorini, Dolonchampa and Roopamonjori. He adapted a wide range of North Indian musical styles such as dhrupad, khayal or kheyal, tappa, thumri and so on.
In Bangladesh Ustad Gul Mohammad Khan (1876-1979) was a singer of dhrupad and kheyal. Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khasru (1903-1959), founder principal of the Bulbul Lalitakala Academy or Bulbul Academy for Fine Arts (BAFA), was a consummate classical musician. He was a distinguished singer of kheyal and thumri.
A former Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy for two terms, Principal of Government Music College, Mr. Rahman is one of the pioneers of Bengali Kheyal and has written lyrics for many raagas. He produced the first Bangla Kheyal LP in the 1980s and has also composed and sung Bangla Qawwalis. He gave tune to the patriotic song of Bangladesh “Jonmo Amar Dhonno Holo Maago” sung by Feroza Begum and later by Sabina Yasmin. He also played Hindustani ragas on the piano and released them as an LP. Azad Rahman is the founder chairman of Sangskriti Kendra which has organized several international music festivals since 1990.
Weeklong dance fest underway at Shilpakala Academy
A troupe presents dance at National Art Plaza of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Sunday. — Snigdha Zaman
A weeklong dance festival and fair organised by Bangladesh Nritya Shilpy Sangstha marking the upcoming International Dance Day is underway at the National Art Plaza of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The event features dance recitals by troupes and solo artistes from across the county and display of different attires, jewellery and other items related to dance.
Seasoned dancer Rahiza Khanom Jhunu inaugurated the event on Sunday afternoon.
An open stage has been set up on the fair premises which will feature dance performances every evening till April 29 when the World Dance Day will be celebrated.
A colouful dance show and a discussion was held at the the National Theatre hall of BSA.
Different dance organisations including Pallavi, Nataraj, Bangladesh academy of Fine Arts, Spandan and others performed at the programme.
The dance show commenced with a dance performance by artistes of Pallavi synchronised with the song Banglar Mati Banglar Jal.
Dancers from Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts danced with the patriotic song Eki Apurup Rupey Ma Tomar at the show.
A highlight of the event was a dance production by Nrityajon which featured patriotic songs and poems like Muktir o Mondire, Banglar Mati Bangla Jal and Shamsur Rahman’s poem Swadhinata Tumi.
Spandan dancers staged a dance recital syncronised with the Tagore song Alo Amar Alo Go at the show.
Earlier a discussion was held on the occasion. Among others, President of BNSS Minu Haque, president of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Golam Kuddus and noted dancers Laila Hasan and Amanul Haque were present at the discussion session.
Speaking about the dance festival Minu Haque said the event will provide the dancers of the country with a common platform. ‘During the week-long event dancers from different districts will come to Dhaka and present dance,’ Minu Haque told New Age.
BNSS has been organising the festival since 2002. This year the organisation will honour seasoned dancer Ilias Haider with life time achievement award.
Spice & Rice Re-loaded Bangladeshi-Pride-Style–Innovation
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time to the era of Mughals and be invited to one of their lavish parties with exquisite dinner laid out before you on the table? That is exactly what Spice & Rice is bringing for its guests in Dhaka. The exotic restaurant is re-loading and it surely has many surprises in stock!
As you enter the gates, which itself is an original antique door, you will be greeted by a huge copper plate engraved with ornaments dating back form over a hundred years. A beautiful display of lights playing with shadows appear in an intimately decorated room whose every wall showcases art and heritage. One would be mesmerized at the spectacles of the past that is evident everywhere. All these were not achieved very easily. As a matter of fact, the General Manager Christoph Voegeli along with Executive Chef Jed Archdeacon and Chef James Rozario (Chef de Cuisine of S&R) had traveled to various parts of the old city to source these beautiful remnants of the past. “We want to introduce Dhaka bona fide to our guests in terms of smells, sight and flavor which lead us on an adventure to various parts of the city, from Old Dhaka to DCC,” said Christoph Voegeli.
Bangladesh has a colorful history and much of its history influencing the cuisine, art, architecture and culture. Most of these antiquities are approximately 150 to 200 years old and some of them even came from the Ottoman Empire. The place is surely a treat for the senses as eyes can never really stop marveling at the different collections from the past while the taste buds would be relishing in the finest cuisine there is to be!
“Each scene in the restaurant is different and something is always happening somewhere,” said Chef Jed Archdeacon. “The experience is as engaging in dining as well. There are kebab stands and delightful aroma coming from the charcoal burning live from each one. The epicurean journey would take you to a wide assortment of mouth-watering kebabs. While there may be many restaurants in Bangladesh, most of them turn out to serve Indian food or mixed cuisine. We strive to bring the genuine tastes of Dhaka to our guests which differ quite a lot from those available elsewhere because of the use of spices and ancient techniques.” Chef James brings forward the luxurious kebabs, curries and appetizers prepared in Dhakaiya styles, with produce imported from abroad. “Various exotic dishes will be found such as biriyani, pigeon masala, shan mutton bhuna, etc. A mélange of Bengali sweets will be present such as pistachio kulfi, roshogolla, chomchom, firni, jorda, etc. Here too, premium will be given to quality (produce imported from abroad), technique and styling. All in all, it would surely be an experience of senses for the guests with an authentic feel”.
The programme under the direction of Azad Rahaman began with a chorus song performed by 60 participants from Sangskriti Kendra and other teaching institutions. Four eminent classical vocalists of Bangladesh presented Bangla Drupad, Dhamar, Kheyal, Thumri and Bangla Ghazal. The chorus songs were on Raga Vimpolasree – ‘Gayano Joty Jalao’ Raga ahir vhairab – ‘Ma ma bole dako’, Raga poto deep – ‘Sobar upore manus sotto’. Dr. Asit Roy presented Dhamar; Raag- Emon ‘Apon Ronge Khelbo Holi’, Dhrupod- ‘Guru Bondona Kori Ekagro mone’, ‘Tarana’ Raag –Malkaus.
Alif Laila presented Raga: Bhinnosoroj, Kheyal – ‘Anubohbe Bujechhi Bhalobasa’, Thumri; Raga; Pahari – ‘Sotobar eki Kotha Bolbo’. Bijon Mistri presented Raga; Bilombito –‘Ei Manob Jibon’, Kheyal- ‘Kisher o Lagiya Esechi Bhubone’.
Dr. Padmini Dey Rupali presented two Bangla Ghazals ‘Morte Hobe Eka, Eka bacha Jabena’, ‘Bhalobasa Badhe Basha Ontore.’ Dr. Asit Roy presented a Tarana.
Accompanists were Mr. Alamgir Parvez Sumon, Assistant Professor, Rajshahi University, on Pakhoaj, Iftekhar Alam Dollar on Tabla, Mr. Ratan Chandra Mazumder on harmonium, Mr. Bodruzzaman Tushar on Tanpura and Ms. Kaniz Fatema Jeba on Tanpura.
Various adornments of Kheyal
Lighter than dhrupad, kheyal is the second branch of classical music which allows the artiste to freely play with various adornments. It is said that it originated from kawali, a form of devotional song, and modified into kheyal by Hazrat Amir Khasru (1253-1325).
Khayal was popularised by Niyamat Khan who was also known as Sadarang, and his nephew Firoz Khan also known as Adarang, both musicians in the court of Muhammad Shah Rangile (1719–1748).
Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam is credited to have composed over three thousand songs many of which are based on Hindustani classical raga. According to renowned musicologists the poet created 17 new raga, namely Arun Bhairab, Arunranjani, Sandhya Malati, Shiva Saraswati, Udasi Bhairab, Devayani, Asha Bhairabi, Shivani Bhairabi, Rudra Bhairab, Bonokuntala, Benuka, Minakshi, Yogini, Shankari, Nirjhorini, Dolonchampa and Roopamonjori. He adapted a wide range of North Indian musical styles such as dhrupad, khayal or kheyal, tappa, thumri and so on.
In Bangladesh Ustad Gul Mohammad Khan (1876-1979) was a singer of dhrupad and kheyal. Ustad Mohammad Hossain Khasru (1903-1959), founder principal of the Bulbul Lalitakala Academy or Bulbul Academy for Fine Arts (BAFA), was a consummate classical musician. He was a distinguished singer of kheyal and thumri.
A former Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy for two terms, Principal of Government Music College, Mr. Rahman is one of the pioneers of Bengali Kheyal and has written lyrics for many raagas. He produced the first Bangla Kheyal LP in the 1980s and has also composed and sung Bangla Qawwalis. He gave tune to the patriotic song of Bangladesh “Jonmo Amar Dhonno Holo Maago” sung by Feroza Begum and later by Sabina Yasmin. He also played Hindustani ragas on the piano and released them as an LP. Azad Rahman is the founder chairman of Sangskriti Kendra which has organized several international music festivals since 1990.
Weeklong dance fest underway at Shilpakala Academy
A troupe presents dance at National Art Plaza of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Sunday. — Snigdha Zaman
A weeklong dance festival and fair organised by Bangladesh Nritya Shilpy Sangstha marking the upcoming International Dance Day is underway at the National Art Plaza of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The event features dance recitals by troupes and solo artistes from across the county and display of different attires, jewellery and other items related to dance.
Seasoned dancer Rahiza Khanom Jhunu inaugurated the event on Sunday afternoon.
An open stage has been set up on the fair premises which will feature dance performances every evening till April 29 when the World Dance Day will be celebrated.
A colouful dance show and a discussion was held at the the National Theatre hall of BSA.
Different dance organisations including Pallavi, Nataraj, Bangladesh academy of Fine Arts, Spandan and others performed at the programme.
The dance show commenced with a dance performance by artistes of Pallavi synchronised with the song Banglar Mati Banglar Jal.
Dancers from Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts danced with the patriotic song Eki Apurup Rupey Ma Tomar at the show.
A highlight of the event was a dance production by Nrityajon which featured patriotic songs and poems like Muktir o Mondire, Banglar Mati Bangla Jal and Shamsur Rahman’s poem Swadhinata Tumi.
Spandan dancers staged a dance recital syncronised with the Tagore song Alo Amar Alo Go at the show.
Earlier a discussion was held on the occasion. Among others, President of BNSS Minu Haque, president of Sammilito Sangskritik Jote Golam Kuddus and noted dancers Laila Hasan and Amanul Haque were present at the discussion session.
Speaking about the dance festival Minu Haque said the event will provide the dancers of the country with a common platform. ‘During the week-long event dancers from different districts will come to Dhaka and present dance,’ Minu Haque told New Age.
BNSS has been organising the festival since 2002. This year the organisation will honour seasoned dancer Ilias Haider with life time achievement award.
Spice & Rice Re-loaded Bangladeshi-Pride-Style–Innovation
As you enter the gates, which itself is an original antique door, you will be greeted by a huge copper plate engraved with ornaments dating back form over a hundred years. A beautiful display of lights playing with shadows appear in an intimately decorated room whose every wall showcases art and heritage. One would be mesmerized at the spectacles of the past that is evident everywhere. All these were not achieved very easily. As a matter of fact, the General Manager Christoph Voegeli along with Executive Chef Jed Archdeacon and Chef James Rozario (Chef de Cuisine of S&R) had traveled to various parts of the old city to source these beautiful remnants of the past. “We want to introduce Dhaka bona fide to our guests in terms of smells, sight and flavor which lead us on an adventure to various parts of the city, from Old Dhaka to DCC,” said Christoph Voegeli.
Bangladesh has a colorful history and much of its history influencing the cuisine, art, architecture and culture. Most of these antiquities are approximately 150 to 200 years old and some of them even came from the Ottoman Empire. The place is surely a treat for the senses as eyes can never really stop marveling at the different collections from the past while the taste buds would be relishing in the finest cuisine there is to be!
“Each scene in the restaurant is different and something is always happening somewhere,” said Chef Jed Archdeacon. “The experience is as engaging in dining as well. There are kebab stands and delightful aroma coming from the charcoal burning live from each one. The epicurean journey would take you to a wide assortment of mouth-watering kebabs. While there may be many restaurants in Bangladesh, most of them turn out to serve Indian food or mixed cuisine. We strive to bring the genuine tastes of Dhaka to our guests which differ quite a lot from those available elsewhere because of the use of spices and ancient techniques.” Chef James brings forward the luxurious kebabs, curries and appetizers prepared in Dhakaiya styles, with produce imported from abroad. “Various exotic dishes will be found such as biriyani, pigeon masala, shan mutton bhuna, etc. A mélange of Bengali sweets will be present such as pistachio kulfi, roshogolla, chomchom, firni, jorda, etc. Here too, premium will be given to quality (produce imported from abroad), technique and styling. All in all, it would surely be an experience of senses for the guests with an authentic feel”.
Banglar Bir
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National Museum goes virtual
A screen grab shows virtual display of exhibits at a gallery in Bangladesh National Museum.
Bangladesh National Museum has launched a 360 degree virtual gallery through which anyone will be able to enjoy a virtual tour of the museum and watch displayed exhibits online.
Interested individuals would be able to enjoy the virtual tour by visiting www.bangladeshmuseum.gov.bd/vt/. As part of the tour an audience would be able to visit any gallery in the museum and see displays. Images of exhibits can be enlarged for better views.
The virtual gallery has been created as part of a project titled ‘Access 2 Information’ of the prime minister’s office.
Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy adviser to the prime minister, launched the virtual gallery at Sufia Kamal auditorium of the museum on Tuesday.
Cultural affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor, curator of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Memorial Museum Mohammad Nazrul Islam and director of A2I Kabir Bin Anwar were present on the occasion. The inaugural programme included a discussion chaired by Hashem Khan, noted artist and also president of the board of Trustees of the museum.
Director general of the museum Faizul Latif Chowdhury delivered the welcome speech at the session. In his speech, Faizul Latif Chowdhury said that the museum authority is constantly trying to make the museum more tech-friendly.
‘The museum launched e-ticketing system this January and the process of introducing online ticket booking is currently in process,’ said Faizul Latif, adding that the average number of daily visitors has increased greatly in the recent years. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury said that the online virtual gallery will play a crucial role in making people aware about the country’s heritage and culture.
Asaduzzaman Noor said that the museum through the virtual gallery will promote Bangladesh’s culture and heritage across the world.
A screen grab shows virtual display of exhibits at a gallery in Bangladesh National Museum.
Bangladesh National Museum has launched a 360 degree virtual gallery through which anyone will be able to enjoy a virtual tour of the museum and watch displayed exhibits online.
Interested individuals would be able to enjoy the virtual tour by visiting www.bangladeshmuseum.gov.bd/vt/. As part of the tour an audience would be able to visit any gallery in the museum and see displays. Images of exhibits can be enlarged for better views.
The virtual gallery has been created as part of a project titled ‘Access 2 Information’ of the prime minister’s office.
Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, energy adviser to the prime minister, launched the virtual gallery at Sufia Kamal auditorium of the museum on Tuesday.
Cultural affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor, curator of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Memorial Museum Mohammad Nazrul Islam and director of A2I Kabir Bin Anwar were present on the occasion. The inaugural programme included a discussion chaired by Hashem Khan, noted artist and also president of the board of Trustees of the museum.
Director general of the museum Faizul Latif Chowdhury delivered the welcome speech at the session. In his speech, Faizul Latif Chowdhury said that the museum authority is constantly trying to make the museum more tech-friendly.
‘The museum launched e-ticketing system this January and the process of introducing online ticket booking is currently in process,’ said Faizul Latif, adding that the average number of daily visitors has increased greatly in the recent years. Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury said that the online virtual gallery will play a crucial role in making people aware about the country’s heritage and culture.
Asaduzzaman Noor said that the museum through the virtual gallery will promote Bangladesh’s culture and heritage across the world.
Banglar Bir
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Islamic romance novels set hearts aflutter in Bangladesh
Bangladeshi novelist Kasem bin Abubakar poses for a photograph at his book shop in Dhaka. Kasem bin Abubakar was told nobody would buy his chaste romance novels about devout young Muslims finding love within the strict moral confines of Bangladeshi society AFP
Abubakar was inspired to take up the pen in the late 1970s, when as a bookseller he lamented that most novels obsessed with the cosmopolitan lifestyles of modern, elite Bangladeshis
Kasem bin Abubakar was told nobody would buy his chaste romance novels about devout young Muslims finding love within the strict moral confines of Bangladeshi society.
And yet his tales of lovers whispering sweet nothings between calls to prayer sold millions in the 1980s and proved a huge hit among young girls from Bangladesh’s rural, conservative heartland.
Now his work is undergoing something of a renaissance as Bangladesh slides from the moderate Islam worshipped for generations to a more conservative interpretation of the scriptures.
“Girls write me love letters with ink dipped in their own blood. Some were desperate to marry me” Abubakar told AFP, recounting his surprise at young women making a traditional gesture of intense devotion to a greying author.
A devoted fan waits patiently as Abubakar signs one of his Islamic romance novels for her AFP
His debut novel “Futonto Golap” (Blossomed Rose), written more than three decades ago, has spawned an entire genre of fiction tinged with Islamic values.
Abubakar was inspired to take up the pen in the late 1970s, when as a bookseller he lamented that most novels obsessed with the cosmopolitan lifestyles of modern, elite Bangladeshis.
These secular tales were a world removed from the largely rural and pious village existence lived by the majority of Bangladesh’s 160 million people, and Abubakar sensed a gap in the market ripe for his fiction.
‘Mullah novels don’t sell’
“He tapped into a new readership that nobody thought existed before,” said Bangladeshi journalist Qadaruddin Shishir.
“In rural villages, Abubakar’s novels are the best gift a young lover can give to his fiancee.”
Abubakar wrote “The Blossomed Rose” — a story about two mismatched young Muslims seeking consent for marriage from their families — by hand in 1978, but it took almost a decade for a publisher to even look at it.
“They told me ‘mullah novels’ don’t sell,” he said.
Eventually he sold the copyright to a publisher for a mere Tk1,000, and became an overnight sensation.
Since his breakthrough, Abubakar has written dozens of works, most revolving around the mosque, veiled women and wayward youth abandoning so-called corrupt lifestyles after finding religion.
Secular activists fear creeping conservatism could unwind many of the gains made by the impoverished nation in improving school attendance and gender equality.
An ever-increasing number of students attend madrasas, or religious boarding schools, in Bangladesh, where Abubakar’s books have found “become a favourite,” said fellow author Syed Mazharul Parvez.
“They can relate to these stories and are comfortable with the settings and language their protagonists speak,” he said.
Inspiring new writers
Abubakar has inspired a new generation of Bangladeshi writers who are finding success with their own contemporary brand of Islamic fiction.
Popular writers like Abdus Salam Mitul, Kawser Ahmed and Abdul Alim echoed Abubakar in their own tales of “piety, conservative attitudes and decency,” said Abubakar’s son Mohammad Saifullah, a Dhaka-based publisher.
Mitul in particular shot to fame in the 2000s with his own story about a burqa-clad girl reminiscent of Abubakar’s breakthrough “The Blossomed Rose.”
Bangladeshi novelist Kasem bin Abubakar poses for a photograph with a copy of one of his books at his book shop in Dhaka AFP
“I think a lot of people still think it was written by my father. But it was Mitul’s work and it sold tens of thousands of copies,” Saifullah joked.
Aspiring author Abdul Alim said Abubakar’s works had motivated his own plotlines – moral tales that in the end showed “Islam has answers” for society’s ills.
“He is such a talented story teller. He showed us the way,” Alim said of Abubakar.
For Abubakar, his fans keep him busy even two years into retirement. At a bookstore recently the octogenarian signed autographs for his readers, many women in full-face veils clutching his titles.
The fan mail keeps the postman busy, too. Apart from the marriage proposals and overtures of love, Abubakar has received confessions from corrupt bureaucrats thanking him for steering them down the honest path, he said.
“Everyday the postman would arrive with hundreds of letters. He became a permanent member of our family,” Abubakar said.
- AFP
- Published at 02:48 PM April 26, 2017
- Last updated at 01:45 AM April 28, 2017
Bangladeshi novelist Kasem bin Abubakar poses for a photograph at his book shop in Dhaka. Kasem bin Abubakar was told nobody would buy his chaste romance novels about devout young Muslims finding love within the strict moral confines of Bangladeshi society AFP
Abubakar was inspired to take up the pen in the late 1970s, when as a bookseller he lamented that most novels obsessed with the cosmopolitan lifestyles of modern, elite Bangladeshis
Kasem bin Abubakar was told nobody would buy his chaste romance novels about devout young Muslims finding love within the strict moral confines of Bangladeshi society.
And yet his tales of lovers whispering sweet nothings between calls to prayer sold millions in the 1980s and proved a huge hit among young girls from Bangladesh’s rural, conservative heartland.
Now his work is undergoing something of a renaissance as Bangladesh slides from the moderate Islam worshipped for generations to a more conservative interpretation of the scriptures.
“Girls write me love letters with ink dipped in their own blood. Some were desperate to marry me” Abubakar told AFP, recounting his surprise at young women making a traditional gesture of intense devotion to a greying author.
A devoted fan waits patiently as Abubakar signs one of his Islamic romance novels for her AFP
His debut novel “Futonto Golap” (Blossomed Rose), written more than three decades ago, has spawned an entire genre of fiction tinged with Islamic values.
Abubakar was inspired to take up the pen in the late 1970s, when as a bookseller he lamented that most novels obsessed with the cosmopolitan lifestyles of modern, elite Bangladeshis.
These secular tales were a world removed from the largely rural and pious village existence lived by the majority of Bangladesh’s 160 million people, and Abubakar sensed a gap in the market ripe for his fiction.
‘Mullah novels don’t sell’
“He tapped into a new readership that nobody thought existed before,” said Bangladeshi journalist Qadaruddin Shishir.
“In rural villages, Abubakar’s novels are the best gift a young lover can give to his fiancee.”
Abubakar wrote “The Blossomed Rose” — a story about two mismatched young Muslims seeking consent for marriage from their families — by hand in 1978, but it took almost a decade for a publisher to even look at it.
“They told me ‘mullah novels’ don’t sell,” he said.
Eventually he sold the copyright to a publisher for a mere Tk1,000, and became an overnight sensation.
Since his breakthrough, Abubakar has written dozens of works, most revolving around the mosque, veiled women and wayward youth abandoning so-called corrupt lifestyles after finding religion.
Secular activists fear creeping conservatism could unwind many of the gains made by the impoverished nation in improving school attendance and gender equality.
An ever-increasing number of students attend madrasas, or religious boarding schools, in Bangladesh, where Abubakar’s books have found “become a favourite,” said fellow author Syed Mazharul Parvez.
“They can relate to these stories and are comfortable with the settings and language their protagonists speak,” he said.
Inspiring new writers
Abubakar has inspired a new generation of Bangladeshi writers who are finding success with their own contemporary brand of Islamic fiction.
Popular writers like Abdus Salam Mitul, Kawser Ahmed and Abdul Alim echoed Abubakar in their own tales of “piety, conservative attitudes and decency,” said Abubakar’s son Mohammad Saifullah, a Dhaka-based publisher.
Mitul in particular shot to fame in the 2000s with his own story about a burqa-clad girl reminiscent of Abubakar’s breakthrough “The Blossomed Rose.”
Bangladeshi novelist Kasem bin Abubakar poses for a photograph with a copy of one of his books at his book shop in Dhaka AFP
“I think a lot of people still think it was written by my father. But it was Mitul’s work and it sold tens of thousands of copies,” Saifullah joked.
Aspiring author Abdul Alim said Abubakar’s works had motivated his own plotlines – moral tales that in the end showed “Islam has answers” for society’s ills.
“He is such a talented story teller. He showed us the way,” Alim said of Abubakar.
For Abubakar, his fans keep him busy even two years into retirement. At a bookstore recently the octogenarian signed autographs for his readers, many women in full-face veils clutching his titles.
The fan mail keeps the postman busy, too. Apart from the marriage proposals and overtures of love, Abubakar has received confessions from corrupt bureaucrats thanking him for steering them down the honest path, he said.
“Everyday the postman would arrive with hundreds of letters. He became a permanent member of our family,” Abubakar said.
Banglar Bir
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"what are you doing man stop spamming"
Just Chilling, that's precisely what's this thread is meant for. culture,sports, our cuisine,poetry,etc,etc.
Just Chilling, that's precisely what's this thread is meant for. culture,sports, our cuisine,poetry,etc,etc.
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