The Law of Fall By Imtiaz Mahmood

 The Law of Fall

By Imtiaz Mahmood

The danger of using a gun to intimidate people is that,

eventually, people’s fear of the gun breaks.

Then, you are left with no choice but to fire.

You will pull the trigger, and instantly,

their fear of the bullet will shatter.

What else could you do then but kill?

So, you will kill. And you will see,

as soon as the first person dies,

the fear of death itself has vanished.

The danger of using a gun to intimidate people is that,

in the end, you will stand there—gun in hand—

trembling in fear before the dead.

Translated by Ri Hossain

Biography of Imtaiz Mahmud 

Imtiaz Mahmud is one of the most prominent and influential voices in contemporary Bengali poetry. Known for his unorthodox style, minimalist approach, and philosophical depth, he has carved out a unique space in the literary landscapes of both Bangladesh and West Bengal.

Early Life and Education

 He was born on February 24, 1980, in the Jhalakathi district of Bangladesh. He completed his graduation iInternational Relations from the University of Dhaka. a background that often subtly informs the global and humanistic themes in his work.

Professional Career

Imtiaz Mahmud leads a dual life as a literary figure and a high-ranking civil servant:

* **Journalism:** Before joining the civil service, he worked for the French news agency **AFP** (Agence France-Presse) for about a year.

* **Civil Service:** Since 2006, he has been a member of the **Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS)**, serving in the Administration cadre.

Literary Style and Impact

Mahmud’s poetry is often described as a departure from the traditional romanticism of earlier Bengali eras. His key characteristics include:

Minimalism & Spareness:  He often uses very few words to convey massive emotional or philosophical weight.

*Modern Parables: His work frequently engages with paradoxes, irony, and the ruptures of modern life.

Scientific & Occult Themes: He is known for blending quantum theory, mathematics, and mythology into his verses—most notably seen in his collection *Pentacle*.

 Notable Works

He has published several acclaimed books of poetry, including:

1. *Andhokarer Roddure* (2000)

2. *Mrityur Jonmodata* (2002)

3. *Circuser Song* (2008)

4. *Pentacle* (2015)

5. *Maxim* (2016)

6. *Kalo Koutuk* (2016)

7. *Gondomful*

8. *Sher-Guchcho* (2025)

Awards and Recognition

In 2016, Imtiaz Mahmud was awarded the prestigious **Sunil Gangopadhyay Memorial "Krittibas Literary Award"** in Kolkata for his book *Pentacle*. This recognition solidified his status as a "poet of two Bengals," bridging the literary gap between Dhaka and Kolkata.

Personal Life

In March 2022, Mahmud was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He underwent successful surgery and treatment in Chennai, India, and has since continued his literary and professional contributions.

Literary Essence: Critics often note that while many poets are defined by their public persona, Mahmud remains somewhat detached from the limelight, preferring to let his "aesthetic of refusal" and sparse, haunting lines speak for themselves.