Shawdesh Desk:
Several publishers denied stalls in the Amar Ekushey Book Fair under the previous Awami League government have finally been granted space to showcase their books this year.
Many of these publishers primarily publish Islamic books and had long alleged discrimination, claiming their attempts to sell books through distributors were also obstructed.
Among the publishers now participating in the fair after years of exclusion are Guardian Publications, Somokalin Prokashon, Procchod Prokashon, Adhunik Prokasoni, Darus Salam Bangladesh and Bangladesh Islamic Centre.
Their books, despite being absent from the fair, have been bestsellers on online platforms, highlighting the strong demand for Islamic literature.
Notable works include Paradoxical Sajid by Arif Azad and Message and Reflections from Sura Yusuf by Mizanur Rahman Azhari.
Exclusion Guardian Publications, founded in 2017, secured a stall for the first time this year (Stalls 517 and 518). Its publisher, Nur Mohammad Abu Taher, said, “We were victims of a fascist state system that stifled freedom. But since 5 August, we have seen changes and previously excluded publishers are now included.”
Somokalin Prokashon, also established in 2017, is participating in the fair for the first time and is bringing over 40 new books. Its director, SM Aksarul Houque, alleged that Bangla Academy officials loyal to fascist Sheikh Hasina had labelled them as fundamentalists to justify their exclusion.
Sobujpatro Publications, founded in 2008, has been allocated a stall for the first time after 17 years. Publisher Mohammad Helal Uddin claimed his association with publishing books by Professor Golam Azam contributed to the past rejections of his stall applications.
Darus Salam Bangladesh, established in 2013, received a stall for the first time this year and has published 10 new books.
Proprietor Muhammad Abdul Jabbar said, “Our books follow an Islamic ideology, which led to our exclusion. The fair should be a space for diverse voices, and we hope to continue participating in the coming years.”
Bangladesh Islamic Centre, a research institute established in 1977, secured a stall (28) after 15 years of exclusion.
Sales and Circulation Manager Altaf Hossain Rana noted, “We specialise in research-based books on the Al-Quran and Hadith, with 165 such titles. This year, we have published two new books.”
Rezaul Karim Badsha, president of the Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association, blamed the previous government for suppressing certain publishers.
“Hundreds of publications were sidelined under the one-party system of the fascist Hasina regime. If the victims file complaints, we will investigate and take organisational action against those responsible.”
Additionally, several books banned under the Awami League government have resurfaced in this year’s fair, including Orokkhito Swadhinotai Poradhinota by Major (retd) MA Jalil, Ami Major Dalim Bolchi, Ja Dekhechi Ja Bujhechi Ja Korechi, Kichu Kotha Kichu Byetha by Shariful Haque Dalim and Amar Fashi Chai by Motiur Rahman Rentu.
With the return of previously excluded publishers and books, this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair marks a shift toward greater inclusion and diversity in Bangladesh’s literary landscape.
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