The Fusion of Technology and Literature: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Mahfuz Shamim
His school years were spent in the Rajarhat Upazila of Kurigram. Later, he pursued higher secondary education at Dhaka College. Though he initially enrolled in medical school, he switched to studying Bangla literature at the University of Dhaka. Dr. Mahfuz Shamim has always viewed life with a playful curiosity. Even while studying literature, he found himself deeply engrossed in the world of information technology. He later earned a PhD in project management, specializing in IT projects.
For over a decade, he has been working in skill development, engaging in academia, administration, and projects with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, private development organizations, and various government IT initiatives. Before even reaching middle age, he has left his mark in numerous fields. Just as he experiments with life, he enjoys exploring various domains. He serves as the chief editor of more than twenty national and international research journals. Notably, he is the first publisher in the world to release a journal article written entirely by artificial intelligence, which has been recognized by the Library of Congress in the United States.
Despite his numerous achievements, he remains as humble and inquisitive as his children, Ishaan and Ayan. Following the publication of Jubok Jekhane Jemon, the first AI-generated novel in Bangla, he has continued to garner new admirers. In this exclusive interview, DigiBanglaTech’s Executive Editor, Imdadul Haque, engages in a conversation with Dr. Mahfuz Shamim.
Question: What is the central theme of your novel? Could you summarize the story?
Answer: “Jubok Jekhane Jemon” is the first AI-generated novel in the Bengali language. It stands at the intersection of reality and imagination, narrating a tale of psychological complexity, societal struggles, and self-exploration. The protagonist, a young man named Anik, experiences various transformations in life, encountering familiar and unfamiliar crossroads. His past, present, and future are intertwined in a complex puzzle. The novel delves into the established norms of society, the intricacies of relationships, and existential questions that spark deep contemplation in his mind. At times, he searches for his own identity; at other times, he attempts to escape reality or embarks on a quest for a new life.
This novel represents a new literary dimension through the fusion of AI’s linguistic capabilities and human emotions. The story reflects the psychological depth of human beings, the complexities of relationships, and the life struggles of a young man standing at the threshold of reality and imagination.
Question: How long did it take to write the novel?
Answer: Only 8 hours over 5 days.
Question: When did your passion for literature begin?
Answer: Since my student life, possibly from my school days. Even after enrolling in medical school, I switched to studying Bangla literature at the University of Dhaka purely out of my love for literature. I completed my honors and master’s in Bangla literature between 1998 and 2003. During my university years, I published my first novel, Neuronic Shunyota, in 2000 and Ekti Mahapraloyer Bhumikangsho Othoba Probashtobotar Upakhyan in 2002.
Question: How many characters are in your AI-generated novel? Do the characters represent any particular region or community in Bangladesh?
Answer: No, the novel focuses on a common 22–30-year-old young man who struggles under family and societal pressures daily. He searches for the meaning of life throughout the novel. He represents any Bengali youth. There is only one central character, with the rest being his family and friends. There is no heroine or romantic subplot in this story.
Question: When did the idea of merging technology with literature first occur to you?
Answer: While studying Bangla literature at the University of Dhaka, we had a combined course in computer science. That was when I first considered integrating technology into literature—back in 2002. During my third and fourth years, I studied computer science and learned programming. I often wondered what could be achieved through programming and how it could be applied to the Bengali language. AI wasn’t available back then, but the idea of experimenting with such writing had already formed in my mind.
Question: When did you start using AI? Apart from ChatGPT, what other tools do you use?
Answer: I started using ChatGPT in November 2022. Currently, I also use Gemini and Copilot alongside it.
Question: How effectively can AI depict the psychology of Bengali speakers?
Answer: This is a time-dependent process. AI models take time to evolve. Given the early stage, it is already quite capable of analyzing Bengali psychological aspects. However, everything depends on the prompt you provide. The key is to read each AI-generated response carefully and then refine the next prompt accordingly.
Question: Pursuing literature is often not well-received in many families. How did you face the challenge of leaving medical school for literature?
Answer: Literature gatherings once allowed us to share ideas with ten people at a time, but with AI, you can now engage with six billion minds. Social media has changed the dynamics of literary interactions. Traditional gatherings and theater-based discussions have declined. One day, AI-driven literary creation will undoubtedly pave new avenues.
Question: Have you ever regretted not becoming a doctor after entering professional life?
Answer: Not at all. I am always content with the present. I have never regretted it, and I still don’t. I am naturally inclined toward experimentation. For instance, I have never stayed in a single job for more than five years—five years in the Education Cadre, five years in the Administration Cadre, followed by consultancy roles in UNDP, PKSF, the World Bank, and various ICT projects. I started my career as a journalist, writing columns and short stories for newspapers and literary magazines. However, I took a break from writing for about 15 years.
Question: How should Generation Z approach AI for their careers?
Answer: Everyone must learn how to enhance their productivity using AI, regardless of their profession.
DigiBangla: Thank you for taking the time to answer all our questions with patience.
Dr. Mahfuz Shamim: Thank you as well. I am grateful to everyone who patiently read through my words.
“Jubok Jekhane Jemon” – A Philosophical Journey of Self-Discovery
“Jubok Jekhane Jemon” is a deeply introspective and philosophically driven novel that explores the inner conflicts, battles of self-confidence, and struggles of shaping one’s future through the eyes of its protagonist, Anik. At its core, the novel is a journey of self-exploration, where dreams clash with reality, and societal and familial expectations challenge an individual’s quest for personal fulfillment.
The narrative follows Anik as he walks through the quiet city streets at night, confronting the deepest questions about his existence. In a thought-provoking conversation with an elderly uncle, he gains new insights into the meaning of life, struggles, happiness, sorrow, and the necessity of self-discovery. However, his greatest challenge emerges when he finds himself caught between his dream of becoming an engineer and the pressure from his family to pursue a more stable career. His parents and elder brother urge him to prioritize financial security and family responsibilities, but Anik is unwilling to compromise his aspirations. This tension between familial expectations and personal ambition forces him into a difficult crossroads.
The novel masterfully captures the interplay between reality and imagination, highlighting the significance of making personal choices against the weight of societal pressure. The author portrays life as a vast ocean—sometimes calm, sometimes turbulent, and at times, filled with moments of deep self-reflection. The central themes of the novel revolve around the conflict between dreams and reality, self-discovery, the burden of familial and social expectations, and the relentless search for meaning in life.
“Jubok Jekhane Jemon” stands out as an inspiring novel that resonates deeply with the struggles and aspirations of young individuals. It encourages readers to find the courage to follow their dreams while navigating the complex realities of life.
