Novelist Kazi Shahid Ahmed has been carrying the story in his heart for the past 72 years. Finally, the story has shaped into his latest novel “Daate Kata Pencil” – a culmination of his mesmerising skill as a storyteller – and was unveiled on Wednesday.
The book was launched at a ceremony held at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium in the capital’s Bangla Academy.
At the programme, Kazi Shahid Ahmed described how he had spent decades building and adding to the novel. Eminent guests present at the ceremony praised the writer’s unique literary approach, which made the novel one of his best works so far.
Daate Kata Pencil is the third novel by Kazi Shahid Ahmed, who is also the chairman of Gemcon Group. His two other novels “Bhairab” and “Pasha” are also critically acclaimed. Bhairab has been translated to English.
Kazi Shahid Ahmed’s three sons – Jessore 3 constituency lawmaker Kazi Nabil Ahmed, Dhaka Tribune and Bangla Tribune Publisher Kazi Anis Ahmed, and Bangladesh Cricket Board’s Director Kazi Inam Ahmed – were present at the book launching ceremony. Bangla Academy Managing Director Shamsuzzaman Khan, emeritus professor of Dhaka University Rafiqul Islam, poet Shamim Reza and many others also attended the programme.
Addressing the book unveiling ceremony, Kazi Shahid Ahmed said: “I carried the story of this novel in my heart for the past 72 years, and finally managed to put it into writing. I can proudly say that readers will not be able to put this book down. I made a serious effort to make the book a very interesting one.”
Bangla Academy Md Shamsuzzaman Khan said: “I have known Kazi Shahid Ahmed personally for decades, and he is a talented writer. He may have started writing in his late years, but he weaves his tales like a veteran storyteller. I have read all his novels, from Bhairab to Daate Kata Pencil. Kazi Shahid Ahmed has a unique style, and I believe that he will be remembered for his works for years to come.”
Addressing the ceremony, Professor Rafiqul Islam said: “Kazi Shahid Ahmed keeps surprising us with his novels. His writing has a unique charm to it, and we love it. I pray to almighty that he will continue to write such gripping novels such as Daate Kata Pencil in the future.”
This article was first published on banglatribune.com
Thursday, April 25, 2024
