East West University Organizes Commemorative Lecture on the Evolving Landscape of Literary Translation
Jul 16, 2025
East West University (EWU) organized the ‘7th Nahreen Khan Memorial Lecture’ on 16 July 2025 at the university’s ‘Manjur Elahi’ Auditorium. The key speaker of the lecture was Dr. Niaz Zaman, an educationist and 2025 Ekushey Padak recipient and retired professor of the English Department of Dhaka University. Her lecture was titled “Literary Translation and Translators: Bangladesh and Beyond. The event was dedicated to the memory of the late Nahreen Khan, a former EWU student and daughter of late Dr. Akbar Ali Khan, former adviser to the caretaker government of Bangladesh.
The lecture delved into the growing global recognition of translated works, highlighted by prestigious awards like the International Booker Prize and the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, which are increasingly embracing translated fiction from diverse linguistic traditions. A significant portion of the lecture was dedicated to "self-translation," where authors translate their works, which was also explored, such as Rabindranath Tagore. His self-translation of "Gitanjali," which earned him the Nobel Prize, was particularly highlighted for its powerful impact. The lecture also navigated the complex debate surrounding cultural nuances in translation, discussing the delicate balance between retaining and adapting culturally specific terms for a global audience
A key focus of the lecture was on Bangladesh's burgeoning translation industry. What began as a functional necessity for international organizations has evolved into a vibrant field, driven by increased global interaction and a strong desire to showcase Bangladeshi literature. While practical translation remains prevalent, there has been a significant surge in literary translation from Bangla to English, catering to the large Bengali diaspora and a new generation of English-educated Bangladeshis. The lecture acknowledged the aspirations of Bangladeshi writers for international recognition, often sought through English translations. In her lecture, she identified a major challenge as the international distribution of locally published Bangladeshi translations. She suggested leveraging e-books and major international book fairs as crucial avenues to overcome this hurdle. Literary journals and newspapers were also recognized for their role in promoting translated works.
The program featured addresses from several notable figures, including Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the EWU Board of Trustees, who chaired the event and shared memories of keynote speaker Dr. Zaman from their time at Dhaka University. Professor Dr. Shams Rahman, EWU Vice-Chancellor and special guest, spoke about his extensive experience in literary translation. Professor Dr. Fakrul Alam, former professor of English at Dhaka University, introduced the key speaker, Dr. Niaz Zaman, as well as the late Dr. Akbar Ali Khan and Nahreen Khan. Air Cdre (retd.) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, EWU Treasurer, delivered the vote of thanks. Faculty members, students, EWU officials, and relatives of the late Nahreen Khan attended the event, honoring her memory and contributing to the discourse on literary translation.
