Having lived outside Bangladesh for decades, I discovered the author late, through an interview by Ahmed Mostofa Kamal published in Prothom Alo in November 2006. I was fascinated by both the man and author who surfaced in this conversation. I devoured his books. Each novel was unique, and I marvelled at the variety of voice. The lack of sentimentality in his 1971-based Jibon Amar Bon touched a chord. I was intrigued that many of his stories focused on a passive, alienated man, sometimes juxtaposed with another kind, men of bravado who can reveal delicacy of feeling.
     I felt that his stories deserve a wider readership, and English being my writing language, I began to translate his fiction.
     I also wanted to meet the man. I’d heard he was a terrific storyteller, but selective about whom he let near. When I phoned, he answered in a plain voice, “Come.”

More from Mahmud’s write up on this enigmatic personality.