Routledge Handbook of Bangladeshi Literary Cultures

This handbook offers an in-depth exploration of Bangladesh's traditional and modern literary cultures, examining its ideological foundations, dominant modes of expression, and marginalized voices. It traces the evolution of a distinctly Bangladeshi ethos—a process rooted in deep historical currents that gained momentum through colonial decline, the rise of nationalism, the intricate dynamics of Hindu-Muslim relations, as well as tension between the two wings of Pakistan following partition.

Covering the major forms of modern writing in the country, this volume is particularly significant given the socio-cultural conditions prevailing across the Global South. In Bangladesh, as in many similar contexts, these conditions present formidable challenges to achieving gender equality, making this literary examination both timely and essential.

First of its kind written by prominent Bangladeshi scholars, this handbook will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of Bangladesh studies, cultural studies, literature, literary cultures, postcolonial studies, critical theory, South Asian studies, linguistics, diaspora studies and sociology.

Kaiser Haq is a distinguished poet, translator, and academic. Before joining the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), he taught for 41 years at the University of Dhaka, where he earned his BA Honours and MA degrees.

Shamsad Mortuza is Professor of English at the University of Dhaka, a scholar, poet, translator, and columnist. He served as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) from 2018 to 2022.