In our country, books published in English usually remain unnoticed by the readers. It is quite presumable how many people read books in English, a country in which books published in Bengali have a handful of readers only. Yet, some writers write books in English, which are also published to be read by a limited section of people only.
Senior journalist and writer Md Ekramullahil Kafi has been writing in various English dailies and weeklies of the country for more than two decades.
He writes on literature, Muslim Ummah and different contemporary issues. He has translated some famous Bengali poems into English. Besides, he has composed some poems of his own. Recently a book titled-Mirror of Time-has been published, wherein the abovementioned topics found room.
‘Mirror of Time’ includes three chapters. First chapter contains 22 essays, second chapter contains 13 letters and third chapter contains 14 poems including the translated ones. The book commenced with Ismail Hossain Shiraji, the pioneer of Muslim renaissance in 19th century, who is now lost into oblivion. The author has reminded the nation of his role and contribution again. He has written about Chechen leader Djhokhar Dudayev who fought for the independence of Chechnya and accepted martyrdom, Shakespeare, rehabilitation of the prostitutes, garment workers: slaves of modem age, morality, woes of SubEditors in news paper industries, delay of justice, necessity of farsighted leader in the country, greatness of Great Ruler Khaliph Umar (Ra) etc. Each of the topics reflects well thought out analysis and constructive remark of the author.
The second chapter of the book includes essays on various topics and reaction of the author about contemporary burning issues that were published in the newspapers. His write-ups on Persian poet and Philosopher Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Muslim unity and his reaction about Taslima Nasrin, published in the Time International (Magazine) in August 8, 1994, and drew the attention of many.
The third chapter of the book includes some self-composed as well as translated poems. Of the poems, ‘My Prayer,’ and ‘Plain Confession’ are mentionable. The yearning, which he submitted to the Lord of the universe, will definitely touch the heart of the readers. Besides, ‘My love is Ever Shining’ is a sweet poem. He has translated famous poems: ‘Kandari Hushiar’ (Be Careful, (Captain) and ‘Paap’ (Sin) of Kazi Nazrul Islam and ‘Manush’ (Man) of Sattyendranath Dutta. Those who have read the original poems will note that Md Ekramullahil Kafi has been successful in his endeavour.
To me, the most remarkable success of the author is that he has used very simple language and carefully avoided to distinguish himself as an intellectual.
As a result, those comparatively less efficient in English will be able to understand his book and the simplicity of language will definitely increase the readership. Besides, in his writing opinions of majority people of the country has been reflected.
Thus he has established his acceptability among the readers and made ‘Mirror of Time’ a book for all.
Dr Mustafa Abdur Rahman, Professor of Economics of North-South University, has written the introduction of the book.
The book has been dedicated to the writer’s parents-AKM Shamsul Haque and Mamtaj Begum.
The price of the book, with a beautiful cover page, printing and binding, is Tk 25000 Professor Publication, 435/KA Maghbazar, Dhaka-1217, has published ‘Mirror of Time’ in July, 2018.
We expect wide circulation of the book. n
Senior journalist and writer Md Ekramullahil Kafi has been writing in various English dailies and weeklies of the country for more than two decades.
He writes on literature, Muslim Ummah and different contemporary issues. He has translated some famous Bengali poems into English. Besides, he has composed some poems of his own. Recently a book titled-Mirror of Time-has been published, wherein the abovementioned topics found room.
‘Mirror of Time’ includes three chapters. First chapter contains 22 essays, second chapter contains 13 letters and third chapter contains 14 poems including the translated ones. The book commenced with Ismail Hossain Shiraji, the pioneer of Muslim renaissance in 19th century, who is now lost into oblivion. The author has reminded the nation of his role and contribution again. He has written about Chechen leader Djhokhar Dudayev who fought for the independence of Chechnya and accepted martyrdom, Shakespeare, rehabilitation of the prostitutes, garment workers: slaves of modem age, morality, woes of SubEditors in news paper industries, delay of justice, necessity of farsighted leader in the country, greatness of Great Ruler Khaliph Umar (Ra) etc. Each of the topics reflects well thought out analysis and constructive remark of the author.
The second chapter of the book includes essays on various topics and reaction of the author about contemporary burning issues that were published in the newspapers. His write-ups on Persian poet and Philosopher Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Muslim unity and his reaction about Taslima Nasrin, published in the Time International (Magazine) in August 8, 1994, and drew the attention of many.
The third chapter of the book includes some self-composed as well as translated poems. Of the poems, ‘My Prayer,’ and ‘Plain Confession’ are mentionable. The yearning, which he submitted to the Lord of the universe, will definitely touch the heart of the readers. Besides, ‘My love is Ever Shining’ is a sweet poem. He has translated famous poems: ‘Kandari Hushiar’ (Be Careful, (Captain) and ‘Paap’ (Sin) of Kazi Nazrul Islam and ‘Manush’ (Man) of Sattyendranath Dutta. Those who have read the original poems will note that Md Ekramullahil Kafi has been successful in his endeavour.
To me, the most remarkable success of the author is that he has used very simple language and carefully avoided to distinguish himself as an intellectual.
As a result, those comparatively less efficient in English will be able to understand his book and the simplicity of language will definitely increase the readership. Besides, in his writing opinions of majority people of the country has been reflected.
Thus he has established his acceptability among the readers and made ‘Mirror of Time’ a book for all.
Dr Mustafa Abdur Rahman, Professor of Economics of North-South University, has written the introduction of the book.
The book has been dedicated to the writer’s parents-AKM Shamsul Haque and Mamtaj Begum.
The price of the book, with a beautiful cover page, printing and binding, is Tk 25000 Professor Publication, 435/KA Maghbazar, Dhaka-1217, has published ‘Mirror of Time’ in July, 2018.
We expect wide circulation of the book. n
– Reviewed by Hossain Mahmud
-Translated by Jannatul Ferdous Esha .
