Ashique Mustafa Writer

Ashique Mustafa, 27, is a talented young writer. He started out writing rhymes and short stories for various newspapers and in 2009, his first book of rhymes was published. Since then, he has gradually shifted towards children literature and in his seven-year writing career, published 21 books. He is currently writing a book on child freedom fighters. Y&I met with him recently for an interview.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sheikh Iraj

How did you get into writing? Who inspired you?

I had to spend my childhood in a dormitory and often I felt alone. To cope with my loneliness, I used to read books. My elder brother used to write in his dairy and I used to read them. In 2006, I came to Dhaka and enrolled in college. In 2007, I started writing rhymes and short stories for various newspapers. Then in 2009, famous artist Dhrubo Esh asked me to give him some rhymes and after a few days, I came to know that my first book of rhymes was going to be published. I was surprised and so happy that I cannot express those feelings in words. From that moment on, I decided that I will keep on writing. Over the years many people have inspired me, especially the senior writers. They motivated me in every possible way. Let me share one such story. Amirul Islam, famous writer of children’s literature in our country, used to wake me up early in the morning, just to see if I have started writing or not! This kind of motivation really encouraged me to write more.      

Why is writing important to you?

Writing is important to me because through my writings I am able to express myself. Many times I am not able to say what I want to, but through my writings, I can say what I want.  

Please tell us about your biggest achievements so far.

Last December, I took part in the ‘4th International Congress of Bengali Studies’ that was held at Tokyo University in Japan. I did  research on the topic ‘Imagination and Reality of Our Children’sLiterature’. It was published in an international journal, published from Tokyo University. I was also awarded the ‘Meena Media Award 2014’ for my short story, ‘Shapna urano lokta’. I consider these as my biggest achievements.   

Please tell us about your published books.

So far, 21 of my books have been published. Some of my books are: ‘Ekso Foring, Ekta Ami’, ‘Vutgulu Khub Valo’, ‘Popcorn Boy’, ‘Kaker Meye Kagmira’, ‘Bachha Vuter Kando’, ‘Chotto Baolani R Archorjo Lokta’, ‘Ekla Chuti Praner Khoje’, ‘Chotto Ekta Ma’, ‘Hi Hi Cluber Auntyra’, and ‘Choto Pakhi r Tuli’.

What is your work routine?

Early to bed and early to rise is my basic routine. I write in the morning and at night, I only read.

What’s your future plan?

I want to establish myself as a full-time writer. My next book is ‘Rafir Raafkhata’, story of a special war child. Also, I am writing a book on 10 child freedom fighters, titled ‘Juvenile Freedom Fighters’. I hope I can present my new books to my readers at the next Ekushey Book Fair.

 

Ashique Mustafa Writer

Ashique Mustafa, 27, is a talented young writer. He started out writing rhymes and short stories for various newspapers and in 2009, his first book of rhymes was published. Since then, he has gradually shifted towards children literature and in his seven-year writing career, published 21 books. He is currently writing a book on child freedom fighters. YI met with him recently for an interview. Sheikh Iraj How did you get into writing? Who inspired you? I had to spend my childhood in a dormitory and often I felt alone. To cope with my loneliness, I used to read books. My elder brother used to write in his dairy and I used to read them. In 2006, I came to Dhaka and enrolled in college. In 2007, I started writing rhymes and short stories for various newspapers. Then in 2009, famous artist Dhrubo Esh asked me to give him some rhymes and after a few days, I came to know that my first book of rhymes was going to be published. I was surprised and so happy that I cannot express those feelings in words. From that moment on, I decided that I will keep on writing. Over the years many people have inspired me, especially the senior writers. They motivated me in every possible way. Let me share one such story. Amirul Islam, famous writer of childrens literature in our country, used to wake me up early in the morning, just to see if I have started writing or not! This kind of motivation really encouraged me to write more. Why is writing important to you? Writing is important to me because through my writings I am able to express myself. Many times I am not able to say what I want to, but through my writings, I can say what I want. Please tell us about your biggest achievements so far. Last December, I took part in the 4th International Congress of Bengali Studies that was held at Tokyo University in Japan. I did research on the topic Imagination and Reality of Our ChildrensLiterature. It was published in an international journal, published from Tokyo University. I was also awarded the Meena Media Award 2014 for my short story, Shapna urano lokta. I consider these as my biggest achievements. Please tell us about your published books. So far, 21 of my books have been published. Some of my books are: Ekso Foring, Ekta Ami, Vutgulu Khub Valo, Popcorn Boy, Kaker Meye Kagmira, Bachha Vuter Kando, Chotto Baolani R Archorjo Lokta, Ekla Chuti Praner Khoje, Chotto Ekta Ma, Hi Hi Cluber Auntyra, and Choto Pakhi r Tuli. What is your work routine? Early to bed and early to rise is my basic routine. I write in the morning and at night, I only read. Whats your future plan? I want to establish myself as a full-time writer. My next book is Rafir Raafkhata, story of a special war child. Also, I am writing a book on 10 child freedom fighters, titled Juvenile Freedom Fighters. I hope I can present my new books to my readers at the next Ekushey Book Fair.