At a vibrant discussion held Friday at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in the city's Bangla Motor, literary figures and critics gathered to explore the intricacies of Mahbub Morshed's novel Buno Ol. The event, organized by the book review platform Oruddho, saw participants praise Morshed's distinctive writing style and the depth of his storytelling, emphasizing the lessons new writers can draw from his approach.

Speakers extolled Morshed’s ability to depict the lawlessness pervading society innovatively and creatively. The discussion was enriched by the insights of esteemed writers and intellectuals, including Moshiul Alam, Salah Uddin Shuvro, Oruddho convener Ishrat Tania, Jubayer Ibne Kamal, and Kamrul Ahsan.

In his response to various questions, Mahbub Morshed, also the Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), reflected on the multifaceted nature of his work. The speakers observed that the novel seamlessly intertwines political commentary with the intimate dynamics of human relationships, blending them into a narrative that is both creative and thought-provoking.

The novel introduces a spectrum of characters—from a prostitute dealer and a dacoit leader to corrupt officials, human traffickers, smugglers, drug dealers, contract killers, poets, teachers, and more. These characters, each embodying dark aspects of society, create a narrative web that gradually weaves together to form a cohesive and meaningful story.

The discussion highlighted how the novel illustrates the inevitable rise of evil thoughts and deeds in a lawless society. By presenting a world steeped in corruption and moral decay, Buno Ol allows readers to navigate the fine line between right and wrong, providing them with a nuanced perspective on the complexities of human nature.

Themes of selfishness, greed, unfulfilled desires, loneliness, and political disillusionment run throughout the novel, and speakers particularly appreciated how Morshed treated these subjects with both efficiency and satire. One of the most lauded sections, “Snake Bite,” tackles the issue of drug abuse in a strikingly original way, showcasing Morshed’s keen eye for societal issues.

The novel also offers a sharp critique of political corruption, with Morshed using his characters to expose the negative practices of politicians. The way these figures manipulate and oppress the common people resonates with the reader, drawing attention to the corrosive effect of political fascism.

Participants were unanimous in their praise for the novel's pacing, the fluidity of its narrative, and the authenticity of its dialogues. These elements, they noted, make Buno Ol not only an engaging read but also a profound exploration of contemporary issues.

In his closing remarks, Mahbub Morshed expressed heartfelt gratitude to Oruddho for organizing the discussion and for their unwavering support of his work, describing the event as a meaningful milestone in his literary journey.

He shared that writing the novel was a process that involved multiple attempts, as his goal was to present a compelling story that would resonate with readers and leave a lasting impact.

moment in the journey of his novel.