In a controlled, dystopian future where humanity lives under the rule of an all-powerful Overseer and every need is synthetically fulfilled, a man named Rauf yearns for the lost tastes and freedoms of the old world—symbolized by his craving for a traditional fish stew. The story explores existential questions about freedom, desire, and meaning in a society where individuality and curiosity are suppressed for the sake of order.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a meticulously constructed dystopian world, the novel explores a future where humanity is confined within a domed society governed by an omnipresent authority figure known as the 'অধীশ্বর'. The society is characterized by synthetic experiences, such as the ability to hear the sound of rain in the desert or taste any food from the comfort of home, yet its inhabitants are plagued by existential crises and a longing for the lost flavors of the old world, symbolized by the titular 'মাগুর মাছের ঝোল'. The narrative weaves philosophical questions about freedom, desire, and the consequences of a perfectly controlled environment, using two central books within the story—one detailing the creation of the new world, and another outlining the roles and duties of its people. The book is categorized as science fiction and is scheduled for publication in February 2025, with an average reader rating of 3.64 out of 5 from 25 ratings and 9 full reviews.

Readers consistently praised the book's language, noting its calm, poetic flow and the careful attention given to each line. The integration of poetry and song within the narrative was highlighted as a distinguishing feature, adding emotional depth and resonance. The physical quality of the book, including its cover, binding, and paper, received positive remarks, as did the creative use of chapter titles and accompanying illustrations. Several reviewers mentioned that the book prompted deep reflection on philosophical themes, and the ending poem was singled out for its impact.

Some readers expressed that the core premise and plot structure felt familiar, drawing comparisons to other dystopian or 'কল্পনরক' science fiction works, and noted that the story did not introduce fundamentally new ideas to the genre. The brevity of the novel was a common critique, with several wishing for more detailed development and a less hurried conclusion. A few felt that the philosophical questions raised were too ambitious for the book's short length, resulting in a sense of incompleteness or rushed resolution.

The book has attracted attention for its Bengali-language approach to dystopian science fiction, incorporating local terminology and cultural references. The publisher, Afser Brothers, received repeated praise for production quality. The narrative's focus on existential themes and the psychological impact of advanced technology resonated with readers, especially in the context of contemporary discussions about AI. The author, Wasee Ahmed, was noted by some as a new discovery, prompting interest in his other works.