A Soul of Many Talents

Rakibul Hasan
Talks to
Journalist Simu Naser

Courtesy: Simu Naser

While many students from Bangladesh move to study abroad, I on the contrary was lucky enough to go to different reputed schools across Bangladesh. I started my school in Kishorganj, but later moved to five different schools located in different districts of Bangladesh. Though my parents were always on the run to find out the best school for me, I on the other hand was not too serious about studies. Instead I took an active interest in books that were not in my syllabus. I have been a bookworm since I was a kid and I regularly paid visits to the local public library. The thought of reading every book in the library fascinated me and I can still remember the day when I became a member of the public library. I asked the librarian that which book should I start with- the librarian gave me 'Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain. For me the book was a key to the dream land as it made me to delve deeper into the magical world of books.

Since I was never good at sports, I had only a few friends in school. Moreover I was always interested in pastimes which involved less physical labour! The idea of communicating with the world through ham radio excited me a lot and I still have got my 'hamer' (an amateur radio operator) licence. I passed my SSC examinations from Aftab Uddin High School, Kishorganj. I pursued my higher secondary from Notre Dame College, Dhaka. College days were supposed to be a bit more liberating than school; however, the rules were so strict in Notre Dame College that I felt rather trapped at times. However at Notre Dame there was an opportunity to get involved with so many clubs and eventually I became a member of the Nature Study club, which well corresponded to my interests in photography and travelling.

After graduating from college, I got admitted in Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka. It was during university that I was lucky enough to make some good friends who stayed with me in thick and thins and always helped me with my studies. University was also the time when I got involved with journalism. I started my career in journalism with the famous satire magazine 'Alpin', a former weekly supplement of the Daily Prothom Alo. I can still remember that I randomly submitted a write-up for Alpin at the Prothom Alo office and my joy knew no bounds when the write-up was published and the editor requested me to write for the magazine regularly. Presently I am pursuing my career as a senior Sub-editor at The Daily Prothom Alo (in-charge of weekly 'Roshalo') and also as a guest radio jockey at ABC radio.

Since my job description involves interacting with lot of young people, I can't help but feel hopeful about the positive changes that the young people of today's generation are bringing about in Bangladesh. I would like to tell all the young readers to pursue their passion, by overcoming any barriers. Because you can do your best just by being yourself and being confident.