In fits of laughter

(L-R) Anisul Hoque, Jamilur Reza Chowdhury and Firdous Azim enjoy Naveed Mahbub's comedy routine. Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon

When a man declares, “My mission in life is to make people laugh”, you can be sure you're in for an evening of hysterics. Naveed Mahbub launched his new book “Humorously Yours” on Friday at Hay Fest.

The panel of guest speakers consisted of Jamilur Reza Chowdhury, vice-chancellor of University of Asia Pacific and Naveed's former professor at BUET; Firdous Azim, academician, and Anisul Hoque, writer and fellow humorist. Politician and award-winning writer, Shashi Tharoor, was also in the audience to get a glimpse of Bangladeshi comedy at its very best.

 “Humorously Yours” is a collection of Naveed's satirical column by the same name, issued in The Daily Star over the years 2011 to 2013. Set against the backdrop of a time of crisis and tension, “Humorously Yours” is a witty and unsparing take on Bangladeshi politics and society.

Attendees got a healthy dose of what's in store with Naveed's priceless one-liners and tall tales. “Humorously Yours”  was conceived in the cubicles of Radisson's finest restroom, where the editor of The Daily Star, Mahfuz Anam, asked him, “Naveed, why don't you write for us?” to which all the comedian had to say was, “If you hand me the soap, I will.” Anisul Hoque, who, like Naveed, also bid farewell to engineering, was full of praise for the book. The celebrated writer jokingly remarked he “was burning with jealousy and rage” when he picked up a copy of “Humorously Yours” the other day.

 “Humorously Yours” is available at Daily Star Books.