Dr Muhammed Jamir Hossain talks about literature and its significance

Born in Munshiganj, Dr Muhammed Jamir Hossain has dedicated his life and career to the field of Bengali Literature. Having completed his M Phil and PhD from the University of Dhaka, he has authored many storybooks for children and gifted young readers with numerous translated folklores, poems, and fictions for the last two decades. Alongside teaching, he has earned acclaim as a researcher for his works on Rabindranath Tagore. Three of his books -- Shahhito Bichitra, Rabindranatoke Oithijjhochetona O Shomaj Bhabona, and Sishu Kishore Der Bishwo Shera Choto Golpo-- have graced the Ekushey Boi Mela this year. However, he has written over 40 books till now, mainly for young readers who want to explore their culture and learn about their heritage.

When and how did your writing career begin?

After I completed my undergraduate education, I dedicated my time to learning about our culture, heritage and literature. My first book Sishu Shikkhai Rabindra Bhabna was published in 2000. I have always been fascinated with Rabindranath Tagore and have researched his work for over 17 years now. I have learned a lot from the likes of Tagore, Nazrul and Kalidas.  I also write for children and try to present different cultures to them through literature.

Tell us about some of the work you did this year in children's literature.

 I want children to know their roots and they seem to respond to poems and stories really well. Keeping that in mind, this year, my book for children is a compilation of famous folklores from different nations such as Japan, China, UAE, Russia, Germany, and of course, Bangladesh.

What kind of books are you keen to work on moving forward and which genres attract you the most?

When different writers draw their characters in dissimilar settings and project them in diverse plots, I feel that I get to explore these common ties between different settings.   I try my best to treasure my culture in my works. My work should radiate the essence of my history, my origin and it should become my identity.