Syed Shamsul Haq and how I see performance poets

by Anisur Rahman

Echoing the voice of Bangladesh’s important author Syed Shamsul Haq, most powerful talent in the tradition of post-Tagore Bengali literature, I would like to say, ‘Writing is a habit’. A devoted talent in poetry is expected to nurse this habit with all his commitment. When such a talent is seen busy with performance in the name of performing poetry or whatever we call today in the west ‘Poetry Slam’ or so, he is consciously or unconsciously in the habit of performance as well. I am not dismissing the necessity of performing poetry. The business is not for a genuine poet. The talent who has prospect to be a talent in performance, he will be performing poetry. Poetry is a serious business. It deserves whole heated attention.

As writing is a sort of discipline, a regime, a kind of spell that compels a person to write, he should not divide this state between writing and performing. The emotions, feelings, and sensibilities that are evoked in person’s heart give rise to a strong surge of desire for expression—and writing is the only way to overcome the storm that rises within a person as such Syed Shamsul Haq says. I agree on this and see it is a pity when a poetic talent is trying his heart and soul to overcome that strong surge through performance. I am not against reading as well as performing poetry. A poet is expected to be in reading and performers by choice will do the business of performance art.

As writing is self expression so what a person had to express, if he already could have made it in writing, he has nothing himself to reflect or express further in performance. That truth exactly can be said in case of a verse play. So what? Should a real poetic talent have any urge to be the champion in the race of performance? I do not think so.

Syed Shamsul Haq further says as the individual is a thinking creature, thinking is an abstract process and it takes form in language. He further adds as the individual thinks in the language into which he is born. To have this genuine rebirth in thinking over linguistic and poetic process, a person having prospect to be a poet, should not have much time to pay attention to performance by disturbing the attainment of depth and weight of perfection in poetry.

When Poetry Slam, particularly is much popular in many western cities, my realisation may cause of displeasure or surprising to many. No problem, as I know writing concretises man’s thoughts, feelings, emotions, agony, fear, love, death and dreams. I am convinced as there is no substitute to writing and thank Syed Shamsul Haq.

As a craft, writing and the pursuit of literary activities in the east are ‘gurumukhi shikkha that means a creative talent is to go to a teacher. In the west orientation in writing is mostly through workshops and course work. Does Poetry Slam enlightening any serious interactions or getting feedbacks and counter feedbacks for making the future way as a poet before a person? I do not know! A true poet never bothers to be champion or to name in competition. That is a pride a poet upholds. But performers or the showbiz talents or the sport players are to do that. As generally writing is judged as a supreme form of art, as Syed Shamsul Haq says and man’s desire for expression gives rise to writing. Then there remains nothing for a genuine writer after finishing his text in perfection.

In fine, I would like to say as a true writer not for the perverse side that indicates writing is for purposes of exhibitionism, fame, glory and vanity. In that race I can frankly name Taslima Nasrin, Humayun Ahmed, some others in Bangladesh in some aspect and writers of crime or so called popular fiction or poets of slogan poetry in other countries as well. The persons who are in the mission of poetry slam or performance poetry, it is better for them if they really know either they are doing anything exhibitionism or not! #

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Syed Shamnsul Haq's photo credit goes to Nasir Ali Mamun

Taslima Nasrin's photo source: http://cgiampietri.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/taslima_nasrin_1.jpg

STORY OF WATER AND STONE

by Anisur Rahman

(translated from Bengali into English)

I split heart in my heart.
I build house in the stones
To see my life there and
I see devastating storm in my heart.

I see the sea in the eyes.
Rises, the sea above the water level
Waters embrace waters,
Where you see the house of ours.

High tide strike high tide
The sun absorbs waters
Clouds suck clouds
And, life strains to breathe . . .

photo courtesy: http://biemannphotography.com/fine_art_photography

VATTENNYMFEN

av Anisur Rahman

oversättning: Maria Modig

Livet är förvirring
en otålig flod;
en vattennymf.
Hon rör sig mot havet,

lockad till dess förföriska vatten,
likt ett offer till gudarna.

O, min vattennymf,
lyssna till mig.
Liksom vattnet
kysser stranden
när tidvattnet höjer sig
och sjunker undan,

kom utan hänsyn.
Låt havet, floden
och vattnet förenas i kärlek

photo courtesy: http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=7146472&size=lg

THE WATER-NYMPH

---Anisur Rahman

To walk and escape life
Topsy-turvy like a river.
Mermaid moves towards deep sea.
Adherence— dedication to waters.

Hi, my water-nymph, yes,
Water embrace land
You kiss land through high tide

in spite of that. Advance relentlessly
Let the sea, the river and water say ‘love.’

What a stupidity!

by Anisur Rahman

A Bangladesh citizen was shot dead by Indian Border Security Force along Daulatpur border early on January 12, 2010.

What a stupidity, it is! This unaccepted crime was committed when Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina on a three-day official visit to Delhi. On the same day she was given the Indira Gandhi Award. What a double standard today India is showing!

Both the sides are stressing the strengthening bilateral ties. Does it really mean any thing? Bilateral congenial ties between two countries is not only a matter as politicians and elements in bureaucracy will have meeting, seating, chatting and snapping with smiling poses and throwing bunch of lies. It means the security of life of respective citizens and showing due respect to them by elements in forces and authorities concerned.

I hope Indian side will be refrained from killing Bangladesh citizens. I have no word to condemn such killing. I can simply say it is more than stupidity!


The other stupidity it is, and takes place in Bangladesh, my lovely mother land on the same day. A citizen was killed in a 'shootout' between his cohorts and Rapid Action Battalion in Dhaka. The deceased was identified as Firoz alias Kosai Firoz, 30, of Kafrul area in Mirpur.

What an audacity it is indeed! The nonsense beast force RAB is continuing killing people one by one despite ministers are assuring the nation as there will be no such killing any more. Senior minister Syed Ashraful Islam has repeatedly made such assurance. Ruling party Awami League leader Mohammad Nasim condemned such killing and demanded immediate stop of such offences during a party meeting last week at prime minister’s official residence Jamuna. What is the outcome? Who cares whom? Is there any government functional in Bangladesh? Who is more powerful, either the government or the stupid force RAB? It is confusing really.

It is immediate urgency to dissolve the stupid force RAB for minimum respect to democratic values. Punishment is a must to RAB elements who responsible for killings and other crimes. Otherwise, it will be a simple lie top say as democracy is functioning in Bangladesh. No more stupidity! No more lying! No more killing! No beast, no RAB!

Caption: Bangladesh prime minister in an official meeting in Delhi with her Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh.

Photo courtesy: Daily Samakal
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External links
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=121696

http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=121691

Creative Writing-Literary Workshop in Uppsala

Becoming a writer…
by Anisur Rahman

In order to be a writer, a prospective individual talent ultimately makes his own way himself. The question arises so why one does need to go for course or workshop on creative writing. Well, the answer is simple. Course or workshop helps one in making the way becoming a writer. Such programmes help one to save his time and give him some advanced ideas. To get those he would have to wait some more years to attain by himself. This is like mapping out the ways. Choice and decision are talents’.

Without having a good voice, only orientation or huge amount of education in music cannot make one a great singer. But it can help one who has a sweet voice for music already. Without getting into orientation on music, the talent may get lose herself. Orientation is a way out for the talent for survival in music. Same reality is to be told in case of writing.

Education or orientation cannot make one to be a writer, but help him knowing how to survive in writing. It can help him to be a critical reader, to judge his own writing, to get into the network of writers, to get access of publication and media.

To succeed as a writer, one must lead a life of a writer. Orientation helps one how to do that. As one writes to expose himself to readers, orientation helps him how to expose and reach readers. One writes well, but nobody knows or reads. He hardly can survive without expected interaction or getting access to other writers and readers. Orientation helps him to get way out from this crisis.

Workshop also helps them to solve confusions. Let’s focus on my workshop at Uppsala City Library. It is a joint concern of Studieframjandet and Uppsala Kommun Culture Office. It will help the beginning writer ask what ever they feel and need to a good number of important Uppsala writers and authors from others cities in Sweden.

Echoing the voice of American writer Raymond Craver, it can be said as good or even great conductors, composers, microbiologists, ballerinas, mathematicians, visual artists, astronomers, or fighter pilots, learned their business from other and more accomplished practitioners. It is true in case of writing in fact.

No teacher or any amount of education can make a writer out of someone who is constitutionally incapable of becoming a writer in the first place. We agree with the reality as participating in workshops on creative writing, like taking classes in pottery or medicine, won’t in itself make anyone a great writer, potter or doctor it may not even make the person good at any of these things. I am convinced as American writer and teacher in creative writing John Gardenar was so that it wouldn’t hurt ones chances, either.

It is true in case of every profession. I would even say more encouragement needs in writing than young people trying to enter other profession. Here I would like to share a story with you. In a literary circle, a young talent was seriously criticised as if his short story were so worse write-up. He was disappointed and was crying under a tree at the entrance of venue. Seeing this, another important editor and author came to him and encouraged him as saying, ‘Please be convinced and have confidence in you, one day you will be great writer as you cried today, this realisation will help you a lot.. But who are returning with smiling face today, none of them will be writer.’ The name of that young talent is Syed Shamsul Haq. He is the most powerful writer in Bangladesh in the post Tagore tradition of Bengali literature. He has more than two hundred books on different literary genres to his credit. Serious realisation, devotion, commitment and power of judgement reading are must in the continual journey in writing. Orientation can make it easier for a young talent.

Nothing to be worried in the race of attempting to be a writer as there are failed policeman, politicians, generals, interior decorators, engineer, bus driver, editors, literary agents, businessman, bankers and so. This is fact and there are also failed and disillusioned writers. Orientation certainly helps talents and sometimes protects them from being failing.

This Uppsala workshop on creative writing will focus on the following basic questions and at the same time providing necessary pointers and observations to encourage Uppsala talents in the mission of literature: Am I talented enough?; How should I educate myself?; Can I make living from writing?; How can I know if I am really a writer?

When a talent can know himself as a writer, he will have nothing to be worried in the survival in his committed mission of writing. I am hopeful and convinced enough, this workshop will meet with this challenge.

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Caption: Bengali poet Syed Shamsul Haq (b. 1935) with the statue of William Shakespeare in London, 1987

‘Why Noam Chomsky was never a linguist’

---Anisur Rahman

Swedish linguist Sven Ohman (1936-2008) knew differently, and it would be even hard to think as he could point out why Noam Chomsky (b. 1928--) was never a linguist. It is something hard to believe to anyone who is familiar with the name of Chomsky though. Formerly Uppsala University professor of linguistics Sven in his book ‘The Essence of Language a Philosophical Problem’ has successfully established his observations and findings denying Chomsky’s existence as a linguist.

The book is a concise presentation of some linguistic questions, answers to those, writers’ own opinions, reflections and dismissing of previous definition of linguistics already established so far. All these provide something personal accounts that Sven has featured in the book with convincing technique for excusing the readers inside and out side the fort of linguistic and philosophical world. This slim volume includes many things from basic ideas of traditional grammar phonetics, phonology, the concept word, the use of the human voice in spoken language and much more over Chomsky’s disqualification to be a linguist though some of Chomsky’s books are integral part of syllabuses on Linguistics at universities in various countries.

Sven was both a scholar and academics, teaches Linguistics at different universities and studied and conducted researches on the same at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and elsewhere. The more interesting thing is that Sven did enjoy lecturing on Linguistics by Chomsky at the MIT. This book has been installed as a proper object of scholarly scrutiny of unsettled linguistic debate and anatomy of linguistic icon Chomsky.

Sven frankly notes though he took Chomsky’s teachings to his heart, and had several friendly discussions with him in connection with his classes who cannot say as he felt there was a friendship relation between them. Perhaps, his being six years younger, and his deep respect for the man Chomsky were the obstacles, Sven elaborated.

Sven has findings that Chomsky’s language theories cannot replace traditional linguistics by appealing to mathematical constructions that, as is the case, don’t have much to contribute to our general understanding and use of actual languages.

Sven dismisses the saying ‘Linguistics is sometimes described as ‘the Science of Language’ showing us how to deal with ‘language problems’ and thus he establishes his own definition as making ideas in a single word linguistics is the science of words as used in saying things by means of letters in writing.

Sven believes as probably inspired by his own interpretation of the example of theoretical physics he (Chomsky) settled for in depth analysis of linguistic facts that could be observed in language and that shed light on crucial matters of what Chomsky considers to be linguistic theory.

Sven belongs to those who feel that Chomsky’s ambitions completely disqualify his grand project to the appellation as linguistics a term Chomsky has in fact wantonly stolen. However great a linguist Chomsky may be said in the media to be, Sven determines to continue to maintain that linguistics is a study of the actual use of what everyone knows as languages.
The book has exposed it as Chomsky is not a linguist at all but an intellectual soldier of fortune. He firmly makes a note as MIT linguistics is just a media hoax!

Noam Chomsky has never received any formal training in any academic discipline and has not submitted a written a doctoral thesis for examination in any subject. Sven establishes Chomskian suspicion simply pointing out Chomsky’s saying: ‘we try to show…’. Sven justifies that thus Chomsky confirms the suspicion that for him linguistics is, of course, a branch of applied mathematics, in which he makes assumptions from which he mathematically derives conclusions that he may feel rhymes more or less well with what he takes to be linguistic facts.

Sven further elaborated on that Chomsky has been quoted in using the phrase over linguistic theory ‘try to prove’ the correctness of a hunch. Chomsky may have about something linguistic that doesn’t strike him as being in any way odd, since the whole thing is just a game anyway, Sven observed. He further reflected on Chomsky as he is very serious about politics, but linguistics is only interesting play to him. It is mentioned in the book as Linguistics was never a vital project to Chomsky as politics was. Sven believes that’s why Chomsky’s linguistics theories have failed so utterly. How can someone who doesn’t even have a PhD gain the fame and academic stature that Chomsky has won? That was a question in dynamic and daring linguist Sven Ohman to be or not be. But Sven was so adamant.

In connection with the 2002 Chomsky visit to Sweden Sven Ohman wrote a long article in a morning newspaper in Sweden, Svenska Dagbladet, to explain that Chomsky is not a scientist at all, but a political ideologue who started out in the 1950s by seizing power over American linguistics by overthrowing the somewhat provincial behaviorism that had reigned supreme in indigenous American psychology since the early 20th century and to which American linguistics – the Bloomfield school—had pledged its allegiance.

Sven makes some more interesting observations over the Nobel Prize making possible connection with Chomsky as well. He feels that as there is no Nobel Prize in Linguistics, and in so far as Sven was aware no such thing is even being considered, though if it were set up it is not obvious that the MIT conception of Linguistics would be given the status of a definition for the Prize. Sven observes that there is of course the Prize in literature but it is only awarded poets and writers of belle-letters and Chomsky’s writings do not qualify for this distinction, let’s hope.

There is finally Nobel’s Peace Prize, but Sven finds it hard to believe that the committee would consider Chomsky eligible on political grounds. Well, … who knows? If Henry Kissinger and Dr Yunus could get it, why not Chomsky as well?

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The Essence of Language a Philosophical Problem--- Why Noam Chomsky was never a linguist by Sven Ohman; Published by Nya Doxa in 2007, Nora, Sweden.

What does India think?

by Anisur Rahman

What does India think? This simple question knocks me when I see the report as two Bangladesh citizen were killed by Indian Border Security Force in Chapainawabganj and Benapole on January 9, 2010. The killing was committed by Indian forces one day prior to Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India scheduled on Januiary 10, 2010.

It is very easy task and unchallenged matter for Indian border force to kill Bangladesh people without any cause or provocation. Is it the same India who had the historic legacy and blessings of Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership?

It seems to me India behaves as if the country were the super power in South Asia like United States of America. It is not the right development in the mindset of India’s policy, diplomacy and civil-military bureaucracy. India today is an emerging economic force. It does not mean it can do whatever it wishes. The country has huge problems within its boundary. Extreme poverty, malnutrition, absence of sanitary net, unemployment, repression and oppression on ethnic minority communities, discriminations in terms of economic-regional-religious-ethnic castes, conflicts with most of its neighboring countries like Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Burma and so. At this reality, its border forces, repeatedly are killing Bangladesh people.

Bangladesh citizens are really concerned as we are suffering a lot due to India’s ‘might is right’s approach over its whimsical various river barrage projects including Tipaimukh embankment. Even, some Indian provinces are also unhappy at the development of policy in the centre in Delhi as such.

It is a large scale matter as Indian immigrant officials harass Bangladesh citizens at different ports. They sometimes harass Bangladesh travelers killing times in the name a long hour quizzing. Indian Immigrant officials at the entry of Benapole land port are involved in diverse irregularities in taking bribes from travelers. People are victims there at the hands of Indian official elements.

Bangladesh and India have large areas of bilateral business and cooperation. A good many Bangladesh people every year visit India for medicare, studies, travel and business purposes. They contribute a lot to India’s economy. The two countries have thousand years long common history and cultural tradition. However, through the killing of Bangladesh people every now and then by Indian border forces, every thing become meaningless. Who will be benefited at the bloodshed of Bangladesh’s innocent people? Could India’s prime minister please give us the answer? A nation cannot gain anything at the bloodshed. It is historic truth. People in the corridor of policymaking in Delhi should read biography of Mahatma Gandhi and the texts written by him. It will help a lot them as well as the people who are victimised in their hands.

Before I stop, I would like to say as it is a clear big power audacity to kill Bangladesh people when its prime minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to visit to India. It is not the minimum diplomatic courtesy even.

It is expected as during the prime minister’s visit Bangladesh side will strongly condemned the killing and harassment by Indian immigrant elements along side raising other issues as well.

We hope a complete end of killing of Bangladesh citizens by Indian forces. That will be respect to regional peace and harmony. Any conflict in South Asia will ultimately be the big trouble for Delhi. Their today’s intimate friend US cannot help them in recovery but to intensify the trouble for India. People in policy making in India must realise the truth, without making any delay. #

Kurt Westergaard's Cartoons on Prophet...

by Anisur Rahman

Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten on January 8, 2010, published reproductions of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, one of which is thought to have led to an attack on its Danish author Kurt Westergaard last week.

At the backdrop of reproduction of the Westergaard cartoons in Norwegian newspaper may trigger up the religious fundamentalists across the globe and they may have demonstrations and that is not expected and appreciated at all. As I think, if it is a matter of importance concerning faith and respect for Islam, it should not be a headache what is drawn or said regarding Islam or Prophet by whom or not! Religious faith is completely a personal matter. It is not either a matter of any particular group or politics or state or authority. When every thing is guaranteed by one’s own belief, there is nothing to be worried who is drawing cartoons against Islam or Christianity or Hinduism or Buddhism or whatever else.

On the contrary to this truth, the religious fundamentalists are aggressive and regressive to counter against freedom of expressions by hook or crook. It is not appreciated. It must not be accepted.

On the other hand, it is to be noted as Westergaard criticised the reaction of immigrant communities in Denmark to his cartoons, stating that ‘many of the immigrants who came to Denmark, they had nothing. We gave them everything - money, apartments, their own schools, free university, health care. In return, we asked one thing - respect for democratic values, including free speech. Do they agree? This is my simple test.’

Here regards two things. One is why immigrants should react over Westergaard cartoons. Is it necessary any how? The other thing is why Westergaard did respond in that way which will not help for social harmony in Denmark between immigrants and the rest of society or democratic values. His response sounds regressive as the people who are reacting against his cartoons. Should not both the sides rethink of their role?

It is to be noted down as spirit of freedom of expression is to ensure truth and beauty in life. That will also be a cause for peace and social harmony. Talents or persons or the authorities concerned in favour of freedom of expression need to remember it for the benefit of humanity. Responsibility and respect to people of different faiths are also necessary facts to promote the spirit of freedom of expression. Provocation and practice of freedom of expression is not the same thing.

A true artist must be true to himself or herself. An individual talent does know how much he/she is true. Concerning Kurt Westergaard cartoons, we can simply say, it is his individual matter either the cartoons are provocative or not. The second or third party either artistic critic or reactionary groups are not the authority. It is up to Kurt Westergaard simply. If one is unhappy at Westergaard cartoons, he (one) can counter drawing caricature or cartoons on him (Westergaard) or can make mock play featuring his role. That will be fine. Any attack or threat must not be encouraged by any group or quarter!

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New Age (www.newagebd.com) on Saturday reports: in an article on Westergaard, the daily printed small versions of six out of the 12 drawings that infuriated Muslims around the world when Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten first published them in 2005.

Several of the drawings were seen as linking Islam and its revered prophet to terrorism and suicide bombings, with Westergaard’s cartoon showing him wearing a turban in the shape of a bomb.

On January 2, an axe-wielding 28-year-old broke into Westergaard’s home screaming for ‘revenge’ and ‘blood’ before police — alerted by the cartoonist who had hidden in a panic room — shot and arrested him.
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It is a relief for us who favours the freedom of expression as Westergaard is unhurt. I condemn the attempt to attack on him and I wish free and safe life of Westergaard!

Götborg Bokmässan 2009

Poesi är en inre dialog

Anisur Rhaman född i Bangladesh, fristadsförfattare i Uppsala, beskriver i en artikel sin syn på dikten och diktarens roll. Magnus Dahlerus har översatt den, från engelska, i nära samarbete med författaren. På bokmässan i Göteborg kommer han att tala om diktande och läsa lyrik på Svenska Författarförbundets scen klockan 12.10, 27 september.


Text: Poesin är det mest informella sättet att framställa de strängt subjektiva men spontana upplevelser som äger rum i tankarna. De bilder den framkallar skulle aldrig kunna fotograferas eller berättats på ett annat sätt. Poesin gör det omöjliga möjligt, dess ord är sanningens och skönhetens.
Allt kreativt skrivande är poesi. Med andra ord, ingen text är litterär om den saknar poesi. Den poetiska blicken är älskarens. Generellt blir det ”fula” vackert i ögonen på den som älskar. Poesi handlar om äkta känsla och äkta kärlek. Dess värdering av skönhet går på djupet, den dröjer inte vid det ytliga.
Poesins språk förädlar. Den är enkel men övertygande och sällsynt sätt. När poeten skapar gör han det för sig själv, från början till slut – diken är av honom, för honom och till honom. Den är ett kärleksbrev till tiden. Men tiden flyr och varje poet flyr tiden.
Ingenting, varken en politisk eller opolitisk rörelse kan göra någon till poet. Sanningen är att poeter aldrig känner sig hemma i politiken. Poeten måste ha ett känsligt hjärta, talang, engagemang och hängivenhet. När han utvecklas blir han besatt av poesin. En sådan talang är inte menad för de högsta betygen eller en doktorsexamen.
Människor är politiska djur. Men poeter tystnar i politiken säger den välkända Bangladeshiska poeten Rafiq Azad. Tystnad är dock också politik. Poeten är inte en utomjording men det är inte angeläget för en poet att bry sig om samhället, staten, politiken eller religionen. Det viktigaste för honom att vara hängiven och lojal med livet, språket och traditionen.
Politik är ledarskap och en kedja av befallningar. Poeten bryr sin inte om ledarskap. I hans värd är han den högste ledaren, den ende befälhavaren med myndighet att låta dikten pågå – han korsar den högsta formen av självkritisk censurering med ordval och ett konstfullt språk. Han har ingen annan att bry sig om utom sig själv när han skapar en dikt. Självklart måste han komma ihåg läsarna som den ambassadör för läsarnas republik han är. Han är en skapare, läsare och kritiker på samma gång, till dess han presenterar sin dikt för sin publik. Då tappar han, om han är sann, intresset för sitt alster. Sedan går jakten vidare, det är ett begär, han söker efter nytt incitament och bilder för nya dikter. Det kan ta lite tid. Det spelar ingen roll, han är oavbrutet sysselsatt med tankar på nya dikter. Han är på en mödosam resa. Han bär ständigt sin smärta, det är ofta en frustrerande känsla eftersom han vill skriva något bättre än han tidigare gjort! Det är viktiga känslor, att förälska sig i gamla alster är farligt för den fortsatta utvecklingen.
Vetenskapliga upptäckter kan bevisas vara fel, de kan utvecklas och modifieras. Men poesi är ett uttryck av en universell suveränitet. Ingen kan säga att Tranströmers, Rabindranath Tagores eller Shakespeares dikter är fel: de uttrycker sitt inre. Poeten tycks vara tyst men han är det inte. Han för en inre dialog med sig själv. Den metamorfos poeter genomgår gör dem udda och frånvarande i samhället, reformerade och deformerade. Poetens smärta är densamma som gruvarbetarens. Men poeten älskar att bära den smärta och stolthet som hans diktande för med sig. Det är så han älskar, han älskar livet.

Anisur Rahman
övers. Magnus Dahlerus

(It was first published in Uppsala Nya Tidning on September 27, 2009)

DEN ANDRA KVINNAN

by Anisur Rahman


Trnslation from Bengali into English: Towheed Feroze
from English into Swedish: Stewe Claeson


Skymningspoeten vandrar ensliga vägar
och möter en skymningskvinna
En sköka för världen, men
en människa för poeten

För tio eller tjugo taka öppnar hon sin värld
och världen slår genast igen dörren
Säg mig hur poeten skall kunna öppna den dörr civilisationen
misslyckats att öppna?

Att öppna innebär att slå igen dörrarna till livet på jorden
Vad är detta för onda anslag, vad är det för sorts mysterium?
Den frågan jagar poeten natt och dag och för honom till ännu en
dikt… Och till ännu en kvinna!

Microcredit & Grameen Bank!

I wrote to Nobel laureate for Peace in 2006, Bangladesh's businessman Dr Muhammad Yunus in two mails and wanted to have his arguments in response to some controversies and criticisms regarding him and his Grameen Bank. It has been more than a week as he has yet said anything. I am still waiting for his response.

I quoted from Professor Anu Muhammad's article entitled as 'Grameen and Microcredit: A Tale of Corporate Success' published in Economic and Political Weekly, in August 2009. The article features: 'In 2007 the people in the coastal areas suffered from deadly attack of Sidr, the biggest natural disaster since the winning of the Nobel Prize by GB. The further exposed the coercive side of MC operations. One recent study was conducted in 12 Sidr affected south and south-western districts in Bangladesh, where pre-Sidr outstanding loans to around 1.5 million people amounted to some taka 12 billion from 42 MC organisations. The study obseved, Sidr victims who lost almost everything in the cyclone, experienced pressure and harassment from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for repayment of microcredit instalments. Such intense pressure led some of the Sidr-affected brrowers to sell out the relief materials they received from different sources. Such pressure for loan recovery came from large organisations such as BRAC, ASA, and even the Nobel Prize winning organisation Grameen Bank.

Would you like to give your opinion on the fact mentioned above? What are your arguments as it is reported Grameen Bank created pressure on its poor stakeholders even at the backdrop of natural calamities when it is expected GB could contribute to the relief operation?

Would you like to give your opinion over Bangladesh’s eminent philosopher Badruddin Umar’s book ‘Poverty Trade of Dr Muhammad Yunus’?

Why do you not use Bengali, your mother tongue, on your websites as we see where you use English and Spanish only? How many poor stakeholders of your bank know English and Spanish?

Could you please give me statistical data how many people have been able to reduce poverty in their life getting loans from Grameen Bank since its foundation?

How many beggar-women have been self sufficient purchasing Grameen Phone through your bank?

The interest rate of Grameen Bank (reportedly 35%) is so much higher than regular banks’ – What are the arguments behind this?

It has been observed as many families have been poorer in the circle of repaying loans to Grameen Bank. What would you like to say in response to this fact?

What is the role of you as an individual and Grameen Bank as an institution in Monga-hit northern region of Bangladesh?

What are your observations as people of Bangladesh did not support your political party ‘Nagorik Shokti’ which you launched during military controlled emergency period, even when you were internationally reputed person?