Call for expatriate writers to help spread Bangla Literature globally

Chhabed Sathee, Back from Virginia: Speakers at a literary conference held in the U.S state of Virginia have called for expatriate Bangla writers to take on a more active role in promoting Bangla literary practice around the world. They expressed their views on Sunday (November 16) at the conference organized by News Bangla, an online news portal.
The event turned into a vibrant gathering of poets, writers, and literary figures living abroad. Creative minds from various U.S. states and from outside the country joined the conference, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to further elevate Bangla literature on the international stage.

Speakers noted that the Bangla language and its literary heritage occupy a unique place on the world stage. They said that through continued creative practice and cultural engagement, expatriate writers have an opportunity to make Bangla literature appealing to the younger generation as well.
The conference featured poetry recitations, story discussions, research-based presentations, and various cultural segments. Organizers announced that similar events would be held regularly in the future to strengthen literary activities among the Bangladeshi diaspora.

The morning’s opening ceremony began with the national anthems of Bangladesh and the United States, conducted by Atia Mahzabeen Nitu. Students of a local Bangla school performed “Suryodaye Tumi, Suryasteo Tumi, O Amar Bangladesh,” directed by BCCDI Bangla School teacher Naser Chowdhury. Renowned dancer Layla Hasan performed a dance to “Anandadhara Bohichhe Bhuvane.”
The inauguration was delivered virtually by eminent actor Hasan Imam. News Bangla artists performed the group songs “Dhono Dhanye Pushpe Bhora” and “O Amar Desher Maati, Tomar Pore Thekai Matha,” joined in dance by Moriyam Islam.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed. News Bangla representatives Raihan Ahmed, Shafi Delwar Kajol, and Anthony Pius Gomez delivered welcome remarks. This segment was hosted by Nahid Parvin.

Young writers from the Washington metro area and the Writers’ Duaf group were introduced, including Mukta Bain, Bijon Bose, and Abhishek Saha.
Former Voice of America Bangla Service official and journalist Sarkar Kabiruddin presented a poetry recital. Guest writers from various U.S. states were introduced by writers and journalists Subir Kashmir Perera, Kazi Swapan, Dina Ferdous, Nahid Parvin, Nayeem Rahman, and Daniel Quddus.
A discussion was held on the journey of News Bangla. The newly published book “Washingtoner Janala” by the late writer Wahed Hossaini was unveiled by former VOA Bangla chief Rokeya Haider and Anis Ahmed. Remarks were delivered by Sahul Ahmed, Anis Ahmed, Fatema Siddiqui, and Santosh Barua.

News Bangla editor Shafi Delwar Kajol introduced the publication’s writers and journalists: Dr. Ashraf Ahmed, Anis Ahmed, Dr. Nazrul Islam, Santosh Barua, Anthony Pius Gomez, Shafi Delwar Kajol, Raihan Ahmed, Nazneen Akhter, Subir Kashmir, Kazi Swapan, Dina Ferdous, Mizanur Rahman Khan, Kulsum Alam, and Sabed Sathi. This segment was also hosted by Nahid Parvin.
A panel discussion titled “Technology’s Touch on Literature: The Impact of Digital and AI Tools” was moderated by Dr. Arif Mohiuddin, with participants Dr. Nazrul Islam, Dr. Badrul Huda Khan, Dr. Faisal Kader, and Shamarukh Ahmed.

Another session titled “The Ever-Radiant Nazrul Across Eras” focused on the legacy of poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Key discussants included Dr. Gulshan Ara, Kazi Belal Shahjahan, Rokeya Haider, and Lipi Dewan. Poetry recitations were presented by Rokeya Haider, Humayra Haider, Sabina Niru, Kazi Waheduzzaman Swapan, Aditi Sadia Rahman, and Kabir Kiran.

In the staged reading “Meher Nigar,” Clement Swapan Gomez and Afrin Fency performed. In a discussion titled “Bangla Literary Practice in the Diaspora,” moderated by Dr. Aminur Rahman, speakers included Dr. Ashraf Ahmed, Ahmad Mazhar, Professor Hossain Kabir, Poet Ahmed Mazhar and Dr. Abdun Noor.
A tribute segment on Rabindranath Tagore, titled “Our Rabindranath in the Spirit of Homeland,” featured a performance of “Nirjhorer Swapnabhanga.” A session on “The Liberation War in Bangla Literature,” moderated by Shamim Chowdhury, included noted singer and freedom fighter Tajul Imam and Dr. Adnan Morshed. Songs were performed by Naser Chowdhury, and Silika Kona recited poetry. Local dancers performed a creative interpretation inspired by Allen Ginsberg’s “September on Jessore Road.”

Under the direction of Shafi Delwar Kajol, a dramatic presentation of “Payer Awaj Pawa Jay” featured Mizanur Rahman, Kulsum Alam, Tapas Das, and Tilok Kar.
The cultural program included musical performances by Kausholy Ema, Sukanta Barua, S.K. Milon Mowla, Dorothy Bose, and Tapas Gomez, with dance by the Tha Thei Dance Group (Paroma Sanyal and team).
Various segments of the event were presented by Atia Mahzabeen Nitu, Dr. Moriyam Parvin, Kulsum Alam, and Taskin Binte Siddiqui. On behalf of the News Bangla family, Shafi Delwar Kajol, Raihan Ahmed, and Anthony Pius Gomez thanked all guests in attendance.

BP/SM