Book Review: Itibrittanto (History) by Shaikh Tofazzal Hosain

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Publisher: Farah Bilkis, Uttarkal, Shalmara Bhaban, Bardeshi, Aminbazar, Dhaka. Date of Publication : Boimela 2012, Falgun 1418. Compose : Md. Aktar Hosain. Printer : Rubel Printers, Arambagh, Dhaka. Supervision : Habib Hosain. Papirus, Aziz Supermarket, Shahbagh ; Banglar Mukh, Concord Emporium, Katabon, Dhaka. Price: 80.00.
A senior poet, lyricist, cartoonist, editor and literary organiser of great reputation, who once played a role in the literary career building of budding poets, lyricists and writers since 1974, with the creative patronisation of Onushilon Sangha ; Shaikh Tofazzal Hosain has long been acclaimed by lovers of Bengali language and literature.
Many of the litterateurs, now in important positions in the print and electronic media and blessed with name and fame, had their starting of literary career under the shade of the this Shongho founded by Shaikh Tofazzal Hosain. A galaxy of writers thus make their way in this sphere with love to the land and commitment to the nation. It may be mentioned that I had also the opportunity of attending some meetings of this literary organisation which enriched my literary experiences.
As Secretary to Abul Hashem, the legendary scholar and thinker of international fame, Shaikh Tofazzal Hosain started his literary career in the 1960s. As editor of monthly Sabuj Pata, he nourished for long a section of the budding generation of lyricists, poets and writers. As editor of monthly Agrapathik, the literary journal of Islamic Foundation, he contributed to national literary and cultural development. Here, he also patronised the devoted literary personalities upholding the glorious history, culture and heritage of the nation.
Hossain Mahmud, a poet, researcher, translator and journalist, who later was the editor of Sabuj Pata, has introduced Shaikh Tofazzal Hosain to the readers in the back-cover of the book ‘Itibrittanto’- the book under review.
Now, we can enter into the contents. ‘Itibrittanto’ contains ‘Smorongatha’ (poems on remembrance of respected personalities): 1. Kobitar Lokhindor (Pollikobi Jasim Uddin) 2. Jonoker Hat (Father of the writer), 3. Bhasha Sainik Emdad Ali Khan (a great humanist) 4. Songbadpathok Aminul Haq (News caster Aminul Haq).
The second chapter is Sroddhanjoli (Offerings). It includes Lobzer Dagdor Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah, Mohatma Abul Hashim and Somudra Nabik Farrukh (Poet Farrukh Ahmad) -the three most reverend personalities on our language, literature, and culture.
The third chapter is ‘Smriti Kothokota’. It includes Asamer Shoishob kotha, Amar Cartoon : Amar Somoy, Boyoshkojonkotha, Itibrittanto, Smritir Otole, Purbopurush, Shoishob Koishor Periye, Dadar Bhita, Amar Chawa Pawa. Shaikh Tofazzal Hosain has presented his early childhood and boyhood days in Mariani, a small town of upper Assam. Very interesting reminiscences of the long-passed days, the elders and the related stories – like events, his cordial relation with the people of various culture and tradition, his cartoons and the days, history of his ancestors, folklife and the environment, his first poem published in the Ramdhonu in the Assamese language, return of his family to his maternal grand father’s home at Baliakandi, Rajbari in 1958 and the last – his expectations and achievements in life.
Shaikh Tofazzal Hosain has dedicated the book to some luminaries of our literature and culture : Allama Abul Hashim, Pollikobi Jasim Uddin, Ustad Munshi Raisuddin, Philosopher Dewan Mohammad Azraf, Leader Rafiqullah Chowdhury, Poet Farrukh Ahmad, Novelist Shahed Ali, Bhasha Sainik Abdul Ghafur, Journalist Sanaullah Noori, Bhasha Sainik Emdad Ali Khan, Sayied Abdus Sultan, Poet Moniruddin Yusuf, Poet Faruk Mahmud, writer A.Z.M. Shamsul Alam, News caster Kafi Khan and Nazrul researcher Shahabuddin Ahmad. This is a galaxy of intellectuals to whom the writer expressed his indebtedness. He had the much expected opportunity of having affection and guidance from them to shine in life.
Itibrittanto (History) presents the interesting and valuable reminiscences of litterateur Shaikh Tofazzal Hosain which adds to his last contributions. The book deserves wide circulation to the general readers. The old members of Onushilon Sangha, and those who attended the literary meetings will be very much happy to read the book written by their beloved ‘Tofa’ Bhai.
Reviewed by Abdul Muqit Chowdhury