Hasan Azizul Haque is perhaps the most revered short story writer in contemporary Bangla literature. Very few of his stories have been translated and anthologized now and then. They, however, have fallen short of attracting an international audience. On the first day of Dhaka Hay, his first collection of translated short stories will be launched. Bengal Lights Publication has brought out the collection. In this interview, he talks about this collection and the importance of translation.

Rifat Munim: How do you feel about this collection being launched at Hay?
Hasan Azizul Haque: Initially I’m very happy that Bengal Lights Publication has brought out this collection which contains many of my important stories.
My stories and novellas have been translated at least by four or five translators and in four languages i.e. Czech, Japanese, German and English. Kalpana Bardhan, a teacher at University of Chicago, translated four of my stories in English, which were really very good. From Bangladesh, five or six long stories were translated by Ali Anwar, published by Bangla Academy. But, it has remained a stillborn baby. William Radice also translated one of my stories which was not published and I also haven’t seen it.
RM: Do you think this collection will make a difference in introducing you to an international readership?
HAH: Well, the book will be launched during Hay which will bring many foreign publishers and authors here in Bangladesh. So they will have ample opportunities to know about our literature. I think not only this book but all the books which will be launched during Hay, given they are good writing, will be able to attract an international readership. More.

See: The Daily Star

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