The BRAC Bank Reading Café recently convened to discuss the nuances and depths of Syed ShamsulHaq’s novel, ‘NishiddhoLoban’, a work that uniquely portrays Bangladesh’s liberation war. The session on November 29, 2023 focused on the novel’s central character, Bilkis, whose journey from an ordinary woman to a valiant freedom fighter encapsulates the era’s spirit, a press release said on Saturday.
The participants engaged in a lively analysis of Bilkis’ character development, exploring how circumstances transformed her into a hero of the story. Her evolution into a freedom fighter was discussed as a symbol of resilience and strength, mirroring the broader struggle for independence in Bangladesh.
A significant portion of the discussion was dedicated to unravelling the meaning behind the enigmatic title ‘NishiddhoLoban’. The group delved into the layers of symbolism and historical context that Haq weaved throughout the narrative.
One of the session’s highlights was imagining a different conclusion of the novel, pondering alternative endings. This discussion underscored the novel’s depth and the participants’ engagement with the text.