On reading traditions

Bangla Academy Award winning writer Anisul Hoque is a much sought after name every year by readers during the Ekushey Boi Mela. To everyone's delight, the author has published more new titles this year, and in a recent conversation with The Daily Star, Anisul Hoque shares his aspirations for this year's Boi Mela, and more.

What are your hopes regarding this year's Ekushey Boi Mela?

AH: My hopes are very high. The Mela is bigger and better than ever, with more pavilions. I am very happy to see such enhancements.

What do you desire to see among your readers?

AH: I would like all able families out there to give their children books, especially the classics. Only through reading can their minds open, and learn about a great variety of issues. Aside from Tagore, Nazrul, Manik Bandyopadhyay , Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay, Tara Shankar and more, children should get to know other writers as well. I believe that a Bengali household is incomplete without volumes of Tagore and Nazrul.

What books by you have been published this year?

AH: While some have been released and available in stalls now, there are more on the way. My most significant work this year is Alo Haatey Eshechilo Aadharer Jatri, which is available from February 6. This is the third novel on Bangabandhu and Tajuddin, and I plan to write two more. I wrote another book on the oxen cart pullers, or gaariyals in Rangpur titled O Bondho Kajolbhromora, which has been published by Shomoy Prokashon. From Pearl Publications is Ghum O Ghumer Golpo. From Kotha Prokash is a collection of poems old and new, and I've written a few children's books as well.

How does it feel to be surrounded for autographs and book signings?

AH: I quite enjoy it, because it shows I am doing something right with my writings, and I only write for my readers. However, I do get tired of taking selfies, but I appreciate the gesture.