“Writing is a third profession in our country” … Anisul Hoque

Noted litterateur and journalist, Anisul Hoque has won several awards, including the Bangla Academy Award for his outstanding works. Some of his books will be published at this year's Ekushey Boi Mela. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, the celebrated writer talked about the book fair, his upcoming books and busy professional life.

How many of your books are being published at the fair?

Anisul Hoque: Two novels -- “Lift-e Atka Pora Jubok Jubotira” and “General O Narigan”. I'm still writing the latter. Besides this, a book named “Prithibir Rupoboti Nari Apnar Jonno” and others on teenagers are to be published.

When did you publish your first book?

Anisul Hoque: In 1989. It was a poetry book named “Khola Chithi Sundorer Kachhe”. I was a student of BUET back then. We published the book ourselves. It earned me much acclaim.

What are your expectations from this fair?

Anisul Hoqe: As the country's political situation remains stable, I'm very hopeful about the fair this time as a writer. I hope that a good number of readers will throng the fair to browse through books. I also hope that proper security arrangements are in place. With all this, I think we will see a good fair this year.

You are used to writing fiction, but what is your favourite reading material?

Anisul Hoqe: Columns and memoirs. Apart from this, poetry books also attract me.

You often write satires. When did you first start such writing?

Anisul Hoque: I have been writing a satire column for newspapers for the last 27 years. One of my humour books named “Koutuk Toutuk” will be brought out this fair.

When do you usually concentrate on writing?

Anisul Hoque: In the morning, I start writing after I have my morning cup of tea and go through the newspaper. But if I skip writing any morning, I don't sit down to write the rest of the day.

What is the life as a writer like?

Anisul Hoque: I would like to spend the rest of my life writing. But writing is the third profession in our country. You have to spend a lot of time for this besides maintaining your family and job.

What else do you enjoy, besides writing?

Anisul Hoque: Drawing, enjoying movies and listening to music. Cricket also entertains me a great deal.

Tell us about your bestselling book “Maa”?

Anisul Hoque: The novel is based on a true story. It is a story based on the life of Shaheed Azad. The 60th edition of this book has been published. Over one lakh copies of this book have been sold till now. It has been published in English from Delhi and Orissa. The book is also published in Swedish and Spanish.