What are you writing now?

I am involved in several areas now. In the past my writing was limited to short stories, novels or articles for newspapers. Now I'm also writing for television. I have written a number of plays in the last couple of years. Currently I'm working on two TV serials.

You started working as a journalist recently, but did not continue. What was reason for that?

I got involved with Doinik Amar Desh, with the desire to do something new, six months before the paper started publishing. However, I felt that my aspirations were facing impediments. I saw no other option but to resign.

You are a popular talk show host now...

Several TV channels offered me to host at least one talk show for them. I'm hosting two talk shows currently -- one on ntv called Ki Kotha Tahar Shathey and the other on Rtv on teacher-student relations. Recently I have taken part in another talk show on family-issues titled Album, expected to be aired soon on Channel-i.

You are primarily an author, why are you absent in shows on literature?

I have not thought of doing any programme on literature or writers as of yet. However, I hope I'll be a part of programmes related to literature in the coming days.

You once said that you were contemplating making films, any development on that?

Though I would love to make films, I don't think I have the technical expertise required for the job. I'm not thinking of making films right now. However, I do have plans to work on some scripts. At present I'm working on a piece titled Meyetir Naam Aaina. Salahuddin Lavlu will direct the film. Besides, Kabori is making a film based on my novel Priyo.

Do you feel this generation of writers enjoy more opportunities than your generation?

When we started, getting out work published was quite difficult. Today one can publish a book or write TV play with considerable ease. I'd say this generation of writer certainly has it easy.

You contemporaries and writers from this generation whose works have impressed you...

Not many quality writers have emerged in the last fifteen years, as should be. Anisul Haque is certainly one of the best. Dr. Muhammad Zafar Iqbal is extremely popular though he usually writes for adolescent readers. Sumanta Aslam is quite promising. But I do not want to make comments on them right now. Anisul Haque and Masum Reza have written some impressive TV plays.

You have won several awards, which was the most gratifying?

I have received many awards in my country. But last year I received an international honour that was rare achievement for a Bangladeshi. Every year Japan Foundation, an organisation of the Japan Government, selects an Asian writer to deliver four lectures on his/her native literature or culture at four international centres. Last year the organisation selected me to deliver lectures on Bangladeshi literature and culture. It was one of my proudest moments.