Bengali literature needs translation: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has laid emphasis on worldwide translation of creative literary work from Bangladesh.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 8 May 2013, 09:27 AM
Updated : 8 May 2013, 09:27 AM

“Our literary work should be translated in other languages. At the same time, foreign literature should be translated in Bangla as well,” she said on Wednesday.

“This way, our diverse literary works would be introduced to the readers of different languages and cultures of the world.”

The Prime Minister was speaking at a national-level programme to celebrate literary genius Rabindranath Tagore’s 152nd birth anniversary and a century of his winning the Noble Prize for literature, at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Bengali has to be practised and spread worldwide, she said. “Bengali language and literature have found a prestigious place in the world at the immortal touch of Tagore’s hands.”

Hasina said the art by Tagore needed more exposure. “Rabindranath Tagore is an unforgettable name in the lives of Bengalis. His contribution to every area of arts, literature and culture has enriched us and our culture.”

Mentioning Tagore’s performances in the fields of novel, short story, play, essay, musical drama and travelogue, she said: “We take help of (the works of) Rabindranath to express our feelings and thoughts in every field.”

“Bangladesh is a country of six seasons. We find Rabindranath in all the seasons.”

The Prime Minister listed her government’s initiatives to promote practice of Tagore’s immense literary works and said a ‘Rabindra Chair’ was already there at Dhaka University.

“A Rabindra University will be established at Shahjadpur and an Academic Building in Shelaidaha. We’re constructing a ‘Bangladesh Bhaban’ at Shantiniketan.”

Hasina said Tagore had gone beyond the boundaries of his homeland to become ‘a true citizen of the world’.

Tagore was the first non-European to bag the Nobel Prize in 1913.

“Rabindranath will remain as our beacon as long as Bangladesh, Bengali language and culture is there. His creations, dreams and philosophy will guide our young generation through a true and beautiful path”

“He continues to enlighten our thoughts and sentiments even after 150 years of his birth.”