Nuran Nabi, PhD

Book Publishing in New York, 2008

 Book review by Belal Beg, Writer & Columnist

Jonmechi Ei Banglay and Amar Ekattor Amar Juddo by Dr. Nuran Nabi – A Rare Document of The Bangladesh Liberation War
-Belal Beg

Only so rarely is a story told that speaks with such truth and love that its tale spans the binds of not one, but two books.  Dr. Nuran Nabi lived that story and his books Jonmechi Ei Banglay and Amar Ekattor Amar Juddo are expressions of his tale.

Jonmechi Ei Banglay, is the graphic description of Dr, Nabi's childhood, growing up and eventually moving up to the University during a time when social psyche and scenarios were fast changing. Dr. Nabi was both an activist and a critic of these transformations. He never lost sight of his goal because his own people – his parents, relatives, teachers, well-wishers all in different ways instilled in him the eternal Bangalee values of love, respect, cooperation and a sense of responsibility to one another.

His vivid description of scenes, situations and events and their impacts are so gripping that the readers will find no escape from the nostalgia. Jonmechi Ei Banglay, written in its simple flowing language is an astonishing book which is an autobiography, socio-political history of pre-independent Bangladesh, specific history of Liberation Struggle led by our great Leader Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and a novel - all at one time.

Amar Ekattor Amar Juddo, the second of the two books is written in the same style as is Jonmechi Ei Banglay but this time all the simple and good characters have been forced into a bloody situation where they are out to kill or get killed. Inimitable, Nabi has again put together a true history of Tangail Mukti Bahini organised by our greatest war hero Quader Siddiquee, the heroism of our common people, and history of the Liberation War with his own contributions as a patriot. As a historical thriller and real life chronicle, this book is a sequel to the first book, but can stand alone with its own passionate tales of survival.  Tragically there is little romance in war. This book is a montage of the killing, destruction, cruelty, patriotism and treachery, as well as the pleasure of victory and the agony of defeat.

Carrying the touch of the undying brush of artist Quyuum Chowdhury, these books were published in Dhaka by Agamee Prokashony.