Book business may not be a lucrative business, but it is a respectable business

Genius Publications is a renowned publishing house in Bangladesh, particularly known for its publication of political books, which has garnered the attention of conscious readers. They also have an enormous collection of research-based and creative books. Genius Publications reprints classic books of Bengali literature and also publishes translations of renowned world literature. There are publications for children. Their aim is to appeal to readers of all ages and interests with a diverse range of publications. Genius Publications' pavilion at the book fair always attracts a crowd. On the occasion of the book fair, the owner of Genius Publications. Kamrul Ahsan, senior co-editor of Views Bangladesh spoke to Habibur Rahman.

Views Bangladesh: On behalf of Views Bangladesh, we extend a warm welcome to you. How are you doing?
Habibur Rahman: I'm doing well. It's the month of the book fair. At this time, we are feeling a bit better. It's a gathering of authors, readers, and publishers a vibrant mix. People are coming, roaming around, and having discussions. It's nice to see everyone. It feels good just to watch.

Views Bangladesh: Don't you feel the pressure? What if the books don't sell as expected?
Habibur Rahman: I don't feel any pressure. Genius Publications' books sell throughout the year. The book fair is primarily a place of joy for me.

Views Bangladesh: Okay, great. Now, how many books are coming from Genius?
Habibur Rahman: About 25 books have been published in total. Some more may come.

Views Bangladesh: Okay, we would like to hear a little about the beginning of Genius Publications. How did this publishing journey start?
Habibur Rahman: Genius Publications has two generations of history. Essentially, it's our family business. Initially, it was my grandfather's. Then it was my father's. It still exists under a different name. Later, I established a separate publishing house in 2001. We named it Genius Publications.

Views Bangladesh: Genius Publications is almost 25 years old. How many books has Genius Publications produced in these 25 years?
Habibur Rahman: More than thousands. Genius Publications doesn't just publish books for book fairs. We publish books throughout the year.

Views Bangladesh: You have various types of publications such as classic, creative, research-oriented, translations, and children's books. Alongside these, you have published numerous books on the Liberation War and Bangabandhu. What is your main focus?
Habibur Rahman: We believe in the spirit of the liberation war. Our slogan is 'Chetonay MuktiJuddho'. To express the spirit of liberation war, we have published many books about liberation war and Bangabandhu. We also have an eye on creative and translation books. Because we want to attract all types of readers. For that reason, we also publish a lot of children's books.

Views Bangladesh: It is observed that many books on Bangabandhu and the Liberation War are mostly copy paste. Especially during Bangabandhu's centenary birth anniversary, numerous books have been published on him. However, most of them lack new research and are not well-edited. How do you manage these publications, and what are your comments on this matter?
Habibur Rahman: Actually, it depends on the mindset of individuals and how they decide to publish books. Many people resort to unethical practices in business. They don't care about their own reputation or the quality. However, Genius Publications has a different identity. Publishing is a matter of both practice and research. I believe a publisher should also be a researcher. When it comes to writing books on Bangabandhu and the Liberation War, research by a publisher is essential. Simply obtaining a manuscript and printing it won't suffice. It needs to be verified and carefully selected.

Views Bangladesh: You are talking about the editorial department. Does Genius have its own editorial department?
Habibur Rahman: Absolutely. There is a huge editorial department. Not only that, if there is any particularly important book, I involve a relevant expert to review it. I personally review everything at the end. If there are any doubts, we double-check.

Views Bangladesh: One of your important publications is Bangabandhu's complete speech 'Bhaera Amar'. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wrote the preface to this book. Say something about this book.
Habibur Rahman: Vayera Amar' is an extremely important publication for us. Since its publication, the book has become very popular. Many researchers, authors, and critics are reading the book out of their own interests. It's a document in itself. The history of the nation is integrated with it. All the speeches given by Bangabandhu from 1956 to 1975 are compiled here. A total of 200 speeches have been recorded. Many speeches have been transcribed from preserved tapes of Bangladesh Betar (radio). However, these speeches are not found in any book, making it a valuable asset to the nation. The collection, compilation, and editing of the speeches were done by Mr. Nazrul Islam, who serves as the honorable Prime Minister's speechwriter. The book has been titled by the honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina herself. In the preface, she has mentioned that Bangabandhu used to deliver speeches from his student days. He was an exceptional orator. He often recited poetry in his speeches. Unfortunately, no speeches before 1955 have been found.

Views Bangladesh: You have also published some books of the honorable Prime Minister.
Habibur Rahman: Yes, 'Mujib Banglar Bangla Mujiber.' This is also an important book for us. The honorable Prime Minister has written about her own life, family, dreams, and the country in this book. The Prime Minister aims to materialize the dreams of creating Sonar Bangla in accordance with the ideals of Bangabandhu. She elaborates on these dreams in the book. She dreams all the dreams Bangabandhu had, and even more. The manifestation of his dreams is today's Bangladesh. Then we have published a collection of selected 100 speeches of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. From 2014 to 2017, out of all the speeches delivered by the Prime Minister, we have selected 100 speeches for this compilation. We plan to continue publishing more speeches of the Prime Minister regularly. Another book is coming, titled 'Speech to the Nation’. It's a collection of speeches given from 2009 to 2023. Another book will be published, titled 'Speeches of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at the United Nations.'"

Views Bangladesh: Do you feel any administrative pressure when publishing these types of government books?
Habibur Rahman: No, the administration cooperates us. Publishing such informative books requires a lot of caution. Even a small mistake can lead to trouble. The administration has sincerely supported us. Later, they have also praised our work after seeing our efforts. And we have been striving to work and try to be as authentic as possible in our publications. Mistakes are inevitable. If we work, there will be mistakes. If we don't work, there won't be any mistakes. We thank anyone who points out mistakes, and we immediately try to rectify them."

Views Bangladesh: Are ordinary readers coming to book fairs and buying books by Prime Minister or Bangabandhu?
Habibur Rahman: Yes, they do. Those who believe in the spirit of the liberation war buy such books. However, I believe that more books of this kind should be sold. It's essential to cultivate the habit of reading books on the liberation war from childhood, encouraged by parents.

Views Bangladesh: We see a lack of contemporary authors' books in your publications compared to the reprinting of classic books and translated books. Why is that?
Habibur Rahman: The reason is the scarcity of contemporary authors. We need to find good writers for our publications. While there's a lot of manuscript submissions, not all are suitable for publication. A publisher has to consider why they should publish a book. The book needs to be commercially successful, or else it will bring no benefit other than intellectual satisfaction. Such manuscripts are hard to come by.

Views Bangladesh: What does Genius do in the field of book marketing?
Habibur Rahman: We have our own outlets. Sales representatives are there. They sell books throughout the year. Many books are also sold on online platforms now.

Views Bangladesh: Are you happy with the number of books you sell throughout the year?
Habibur Rahman: Happiness is not just about sales. Publishing is not just a business; it comes with social responsibility. Economically, no matter how benefited I am, my greater joy lies in the fact that through my books, society is being organized. Furthermore, since this is a business, we are satisfied with limited profit. Book business may not be a lucrative business, but it is a respectable business."

Views Bangladesh: Do you think there is any specific group of readers for Genius?
Habibur Rahman: Yes, I believe the group of readers for Genius consists of people who believe in the ideals of independence. Those who believe in the spirit of the liberation war are the readers of Genius. No extremist or communal group will be readers of Genius.

Views Bangladesh: Thank you very much for giving us your time.
Habibur Rahman: Thank you, and thanks to Views Bangladesh as well.