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He also stated that literature does not progress in a linear fashion and no writer starts with a clear understanding of its direction.

He also expressed concern over declining readership, particularly in poetry and fiction, compared with earlier decades.

Fiction writer Shuhan Rizwan spoke about changes in prose and the evolving relationship between writers and readers.

He said Bangla literature saw a major shift with the spread of typing software, blogs, and internet-based writing in the late 2000s, followed by the rise of new media.

He said reading is no longer a solitary activity, as readers now engage with books through online discussions, social media reactions, and writers’ public personas.

Books are increasingly being read more collectively across digital platforms, he added.

He also noted the emergence of parallel literary trends through blogs and online platforms. Referring to genre fiction, he said writers of thrillers, horror, and science fiction in Bangladesh are influenced by both local and global trends, though quality remains uneven in many cases.

Rejecting the idea that Bangla literature is declining, he said, “Bangla is the language of 25 crore people. The language carries ways of thinking that cannot be expressed through another language.”

Fiction writer Nasima Anis highlighted the challenges faced by women writers in Bangladeshi society.

She said women not only have to fight social constraints but also struggle constantly to prove their worth, which affects their creative development.

Drawing on her own experience, she said women writers often have to seek permission, directly or indirectly, over what they can write, a burden male writers usually do not face.

She also criticised publishing practices in the country, saying many publishers lack proper editorial boards to assess manuscripts, guide writers, and help books reach the right readers. As a result, both writers and readers suffer.

Other participants spoke about shrinking space for free expression, weakening cultural practices, declining readership, and the growing gap between literary discussion and actual reading.

The session was conducted by The Daily Star journalist Emran Mahfuz.