NN Online:
East West University (EWU) on Wednesday organized the 7th Nahreen Khan Memorial Lecture, focusing on the evolving landscape of literary translation in Bangladesh and beyond. The event, held at the university’s Manzur Elahi Auditorium, featured eminent academic and 2025 Ekushey Padak recipient Dr. Niaz Zaman as the keynote speaker.
The lecture, titled “Literary Translation and Translators: Bangladesh and Beyond,” was dedicated to the memory of the late Nahreen Khan, a former EWU student and daughter of the late Dr. Akbar Ali Khan, former adviser to the caretaker government of Bangladesh.
The Expanding World of Translation
Dr. Zaman’s address explored the growing global appreciation of translated literature, citing prestigious awards such as the International Booker Prize and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize that now routinely recognize works in translation. She noted a significant trend: increasing global curiosity about literary works from non-Western languages.
Highlighting the practice of self-translation, Dr. Zaman referred to Rabindranath Tagore’s English rendition of Gitanjali, which played a pivotal role in earning him the Nobel Prize in Literature. She used Tagore’s example to illustrate the complexities and creative agency involved when authors translate their own work.
A substantial part of the lecture focused on the intricacies of cultural nuance in translation, including the ongoing debate about whether to retain culturally specific terms or adapt them for international readership.
Spotlight on Bangladesh
Dr. Zaman emphasized the rise of Bangladesh’s translation industry, which she noted has expanded from institutional and functional needs to a dynamic literary movement. She attributed this growth to the country’s increasing global engagement and the aspirations of both readers and writers to share Bangladeshi narratives with a wider audience.
“The demand for Bangla-to-English literary translation is rising—driven not only by the diaspora but also by a new generation of English-educated readers within Bangladesh,” she said.
However, she also pointed out a significant barrier: limited international distribution. To address this, Dr. Zaman urged translators and publishers to utilize digital platforms, including e-books, and participate actively in global book fairs. She also acknowledged the role of literary journals and national newspapers in bringing translated works into the public sphere.
Distinguished Guests and Attendees
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities. Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of EWU and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, delivered an address, along with EWU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Shams Rahman, and noted scholar Professor Dr. Fakrul Alam.
Air Commodore (Retd.) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, Treasurer of EWU, also spoke, reflecting on the legacy of Nahreen Khan and the significance of fostering literary dialogue in her memory.
The event was attended by EWU faculty members, students, university officials, and family members of the late Nahreen Khan, all of whom came together to honor her legacy and promote critical engagement with the future of literary translation in Bangladesh.
