Discussion held on the book of writer Alomgir Shahriar in London

In the 19th century, poet Rabindranath Tagore was the ambassador of Bengali awakening and progress. A great non-sectarian poet with human qualities. As a beacon of Bengali, his life was full of multi-dimensional creations and endeavors. Sudheejan, who participated in the discussion on the book 'Rabindranath, Dhaka Bishwobidyalaya o Upomohadeshe Samprodayikota' written by writer Alamgir Shahriar on the occasion of Dhaka University's centenary, organized by 'Kavikantha', made these comments.

A special literary chat was held in Jubilee Street, London, on Wednesday afternoon, May 31, under the chairmanship of community figure Habib Rahman and moderated by poet Hamid Mohammad at the weekly newspaper office. It was attended by Britain's leading poets, writers and community figures. Introduction phase was held at the beginning of the program. After that, cultural activist Newaz read the introduction written by writer Alamgir Shahriar. Poet and journalist Hamid Mohammad presented a written review of the book 'Rabindranath, Dhaka University and Communalism in Subcontinent'. In the detailed discussion of the article, many unknown facts about the poet Rabindranath come up. For those who have not read the book, this article is an important read.

After reading Hamid Mohammad's article, writer Alamgir Shahriar spoke in plain language about the background, requirements and his research findings for writing the book. Then BBC's veteran journalist Moazzem Hossain took part in the discussion. He asked the question in his speech, Why did Alamgir Shahriar think it was necessary to write such a book? He expressed his interest in the background of writing the book during the question and answer session. He also said that we are living in a time when many established truths are being questioned these days. From Rabindranath to Bangabandhu everyone is his victim. A misinformation and disinformation campaign is going on to establish Rabindranath as an opponent of Dhaka University from a communal point of view. Alamgir Shahriar has done an important and excellent work to answer it. Thank him for that.

Community activist Ayyub Karam Ali said, it is true that Rabindranath did not oppose the establishment of Dhaka University, but as far as we know, many of those who opposed were close to the poet. What was the role of the poet to address them?

Cultural personality Syed Enamul Islam said in his discussion, I have read the book with great interest, poet Rabindranath did not oppose the establishment of Dhaka University, I have a clear idea about this, there is no room for doubt that he is a great non-sectarian poet. Common people in our society often believe the propaganda. And fall under misconceptions. Reading this book is very important for them. He said, I like that Alamgir Shahriar was born almost 16 years after the liberation war. But I am happy to think that a writer of the young generation takes the ideals of the liberation war to heart. The author's maturity, his thoughts and thinking are wide. Although he is young in age, his history is unbroken, his mind is wonderful and deep. Although research-essay, the language of the book is heartfelt.

Journalist Nazrul Islam Basan said, we know those who are constantly working to divide Rabindranath. Rabindranath can never be erased by any propaganda. Researcher Farooq Ahmad highlighted in his discussion that whatever one thinks, even though Rabindranath did not carry the Hindu identity, people tried to give communal level to the class he represented.

Poet Asma Matin said, a poet's sentimental heart can never be filled with communal narrowness. As a poet, I do not believe this propaganda against Rabindranath without deep reading of history. Educationist Muhammad Abdur Rakib, musician Ripa Rakib, human rights leader and journalist Ansar Ahmad Ullah, Satyabrata Das Swapan, poet Maynur Rahman Babul, Darpan editor Rahmat Ali, poet Abdul Qayyum and poet Faizur Rahman Faiz also spoke on the occasion. Poet AKM Abdullah, poet Md. Mosaid Khan, young organizers Ershad Ahmed, MS Newaz, Jahangir Alam along with Sudheejan.

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