Photo : BSS

JAHANGIRNAGAR UNIVERSITY, Oct 24, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a discussion said poet Forrukh Ahmed carved his own path in Bengali literature, establishing himself as an independent and powerful poet rather than a representative of any particular literary school.

Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) the programme on Thursday night at the university's Bot Tola area, which was attended by Bangla Department Professors Khorshed Alam and Suman Sajjad, JUCSU Vice-President Abdur Rashid Zitu, General Secretary Mazharul Islam, Literary Secretary Jahidul Islam Bappy and several researchers including Kajal Rashid Shaheen, Mahbub Mukul, Borhan Mahmud, Abid Azam, Moin Muntasir, and Imran Mahfuz.

 Poets Shakil Mahmud, Didar Muhammad, and TanzilaFerdous recited poems on the occasion.

Speaking as the chief guest, Forrukh researcher Dr Mahbub Hasan said, “Forrukh Ahmed did not follow the mainstream literary trends of the 1930s and 1940s. He moved forward with his own thoughts and distinctive language. Those who define him only as an Islamic Renaissance poet have not read him completely. Forrukh is a free and powerful poet of the Bengali language. The more Bangladesh advances, the more relevant he will become.”

Researcher Kajal Rashid Shaheen said, “Many people evaluate him based on partial understanding, which is unfair. We must study him with deeper literary sensitivity. Ahmad Sofa’s famous essay ‘Kobi Forrukh Ahmed-er Ki Oporadh’ answers many of these questions and should be read by all.” 

Professor Khorshed Alam noted that the criticisms often made against Forrukh were also present among others who later changed their stance, unfairly targeting him instead. 

Professor Suman Sajjad said that in his 25 years at Jahangirnagar University, both as a student and teacher, he had never seen a university-wide discussion on Forrukh Ahmed.