Dhaka: A seminar titled 'The Politics of Literature' was held at the Poet Shamsur Rahman Seminar Hall of Bangla Academy this afternoon, illustrating the parallel relationship between the literary and political systems of the country. The event, organized by Bangla Academy, featured British novelist and broadcaster Zia Haider Rahman as the keynote speaker.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam delivered the welcome address, while Professor Dr. Firdaus Azim of Brac University presided over the session. Discussions during the seminar centered on the intersection between literature, power, and politics, exploring how contemporary narratives are shaped by social and political realities.
Writers, academics, researchers, and students attended the session, engaging in a lively exchange of ideas about the evolving relationship between literary expression and political thought. In his welcome speech, Prof. Mohammad Azam focused on the political nature of literature, emphasizing that all literature inherently carries political undertones as it reflects and reveals power relations within society.
Prof. Azam also highlighted that the production, distribution, and reception of literature are influenced by politics, from language dominance and class power to representation and cultural capital. Delivering the keynote speech, British-Bangladeshi novelist Zia Haider Rahman discussed the importance of accountability in fostering true freedom of expression within a culture.
Rahman argued that while freedom of expression is often seen as fundamental to literature and art, true freedom can only thrive in a culture grounded in accountability. He noted that accountability serves as the bridge between creativity and governance, connecting a thriving literary culture with a vibrant political one.
Emphasizing accountability as a mechanism for recognizing excellence and nurturing societal values, Rahman stated that no literary culture can flourish without a flourishing and sophisticated culture of literary criticism. He drew parallels between good governance and literary vitality, stressing that both require accountability to succeed.
A Q and A session followed the discussion, allowing participants to delve deeper into the themes presented. Professor Dr. Firdaus Azim of Brac University delivered the concluding remarks, expressing hope for the continuation of revolutionary practices in both literature and politics.