Book fair faces uprising aftermath, chaos feared

The year 2024 passed through political instability and anxiety. In July-August, the largest mass uprising in Bangladesh's history took place, leading to the fall of the long-standing autocracy, corruption, and the criminalization of the Awami League. The impact of the uprising was felt not only in politics, economy, business, and sports but also in art, literature, and culture. Cultural and intellectual institutions, including the Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, and the International Mother Language Institute, also experienced the widespread effect of the popular uprising.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025 will begin on February 1 at the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. Writers and publishers have shared differing opinions on what the fair will be like and how the spirit of the popular uprisings of '71, '90, and '24 will influence it. Some are also concerned about potential chaos.

Impact of the uprising at the book fair:
Talking to Views Bangladesh Mahrukh Mohiuddin, Director of University Press Limited (UPL),
emphasized the cultural significance of the book fair, saying, "Our expectation is that through the popular uprising, we are entering a new era, and the desire for the uprising should be reflected in this year's book fair."

Mohiuddin also mentioned that UPL is releasing several quality books on the popular uprising, saying, "Not only on this particular uprising but we always work on Bangladesh's history, culture, and politics."

He added, "Just as the past will be reflected, the new times will also be visible in our work."

Mahrukh Mohiuddin

Rajib Chowdhury, the owner of Chaitanya Publications, hopes for a good book fair free from all forms of discrimination, stating, "The desire for freedom that was created after the 1947, 1971, and now the 2024 revolution will be reflected in everyone."

Ahmed Mahmudul Haque, the publisher of Mowla Brothers, mentioned that with such a major revolution recently, its influence will definitely be felt at the book fair. "A lot of books on this topic will be released, and my institution will publish several books on this matter. Since this is a major event in our national life, its impact cannot be ignored."

Khaliquzzaman Elias, a writer and translator, shared with Views Bangladesh, “When such a major revolution occurs, its influence on the book fair is inevitable. Generally, it’s not just a change in the system of governance; there have been certainly some ideological changes as well.”

In response to a question about whether there will be books on the uprising similar to the numerous low-quality books released about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during the Mujib Centennial, writer and translator Faruk Moinuddin said, "Some enthusiastic individuals will likely publish such books, but whether they will have any analysis or not remains to be seen."

Dr. Sarkar Amin, the secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025 organizing committee, expressed the hope for the creation of a "New Bangladesh" and said, “We hope this year’s book fair will be very beautiful. People have dreams of building a new Bangladesh. The book fair is not just a marketplace for books, it is a festival of creativity. We expect everyone to come to the fair, especially the youth. If we want a knowledge-driven, advanced Bangladesh, we must come to books. Books refine dreams.”

Concerns about disorder and instability:
Currently, Bangladesh is facing social and political instability. When asked if there might be any issues at this year’s book fair, Ahmed Mahmudul Haque, the publisher of Mowla Brothers, responded, “No, a well organized and spontaneous fair will be held. Everyone will participate. Just like every year, we believe this fair will also be successful.”

Khaliquzzaman Elias

However, writer and translator Khaliquzzaman Elias shared a different perspective. Expressing concerns about potential chaos, he said, “There is a group with somewhat fundamentalist views who want to assert their influence. They are unnecessarily trying to do many things. For example, the changes they made in the textbooks are not in line with our expectations. While there was personal glorification before, they have now made changes that are not justifiable.”

He further stated, “These actions are a bit excessive. With such things happening, everything now seems questionable, and the entire nation is in a state of confusion. No one knows where we are heading, what is happening, who is in control, or who is benefiting. We are all concerned. This unstable situation will undoubtedly have an impact on the book fair.”

Khaliquzzaman Elias further mentioned: "It seems that the more progressive publishers may not get permission. On the other hand, there are several groups that may set up stalls for religious books. But right now, nothing is certain. Everything is uncertain at the moment."

He hopes that progressive content will certainly be present, emphasizing that imposing religion unnecessarily is not right. "Religion is a personal matter, and no one should show-off."

Writer and translator Faruk Moinuddin shared his personal experience, saying, "Every year, publishers contact me from September to October before the book fair to discuss what I will give for the fair. This year, for the first time, no one has contacted me. I realized that those who are usually active about the fair are not doing so this time. I don't know why they aren't active, but I feel there is uncertainty among them about participating in the fair. In my opinion, influential leading publishers may be concerned, and that's why they might be keeping quiet."

Faruk Moinuddin also added, "Even if they participate, they might not release any new books. Otherwise, they would have definitely contacted me. Because I have seen for the last 5-6 years that they say. This is the first time they haven't said anything."

Explaining from an economic perspective, he said, "What I think is that even if they participate, they might not be interested in publishing new books right now. Business is running a bit slowly, so they probably don't want to invest at this moment."

He expressed a lack of specific hopes or expectations regarding the overall fair, saying, "We will just observe how the fair will turn out. We ourselves are curious about how the fair will be this time."

He expressed a lack of specific hopes or expectations regarding the overall fair, saying, "We will just observe how the fair will turn out. We ourselves are curious about how the fair will be this time."

Faruk Moinuddin

When asked about the impact of social instability on the book fair, Faruk Moinuddin replied, "At the moment, it doesn't seem like there will be much of an impact. Books are being released, but if the big publishers don’t bring their publications, it might be subdued. The enthusiasm and excitement that exists among people, writers, and readers at the fair might be somewhat dampened."

When asked whether the influence of religious-based political parties in politics would affect the fair, he said, "There seems to be some influence, yes. The religious-based parties have gained strength, so we don't know how active they will be, what activities they will undertake, or whether they will release new publications. However, it is clear that these religious parties have gained strength, but what they will do is still uncertain."

Poet Sahed Qayes added, "There is always some crisis. Since there has been a mass uprising, many things are not going on in the usual way. In this changed situation, a lot of things will not remain the same, which is natural. However, we expect the fair to happen as beautifully as it does every year."

Ticket system demanded at the book fair:
The demand for a ticket system at the book fair has been raised in the past few years.

Commenting on this issue Faruk Moinuddin said, "Most of the young people go to the book fair just for fun, not to buy books. They go to the stalls, ask their friends to take pictures with a book, and post it on Facebook. The book fair has turned into an amusement center. If a ticket system is introduced, unwanted people won't come, and the mess will be reduced."

He further explained that there were attempts to implement a ticket system in the past, but due to some specific quarters, it was not done. "This time there is no pressure, so let's see what happens. With a ticket system, at least groups of people roaming around and turning the fair into an amusement center would be avoided."

Poet Shahed Kayes had a different view on the ticket system. He said, "Interest in books is decreasing worldwide. If a ticket system is implemented, it will bring in some revenue, but many people may not come. Now, the people who come might not all buy books. Some come for romance, some come to hang out, some come just to wander. Through this back-and-forth movement, people might develop a love for books. It's not necessary that everyone comes to buy books. So, I think introducing a ticket system might not be beneficial. People already are reluctant to come to the fair."

Shahed Kayes, while opposing the large number of food stalls at the fair, said that what is really needed is tea. "In our Bengali culture, tea should be there for casual chat," he said. He observed that the fair only should sell coffee and suggested, "Coffee is fine, but there should also be tea."

Rajib Chowdhury, the owner of Chaitanya Publishers, expressed opposition to the ticket system, saying, "If such a system is suddenly introduced at the book fair, many people may not come. We are not familiar with such systems at book fairs. Moreover, in many countries, book fairs remain open and accessible to all. Some people may come once but may not want to return."

He also commented on the abundance of food stalls, suggesting that it would be better to limit them at the fair.

Dr. Sarkar Amin, in response to the ticket system debate, stated that there would be no ticket system at this year's book fair. He mentioned, "To implement a ticket system, we need to move forward with everyone's opinion. There are differing views on this matter."

Dr. Sarkar Amin

Demand for restricting copyright books at the book fair:
It is often observed that copyright books are sold at the book fair. Faruk Moinuddin, advocating for the prohibition of such books, stated, "Every year, there are various issues at the fair, such as the sale of books on footpaths and outside the fairgrounds. These should be stopped. Authorities must maintain constant vigilance over issues like ensuring there is no dust, providing water to keep the area clean, and widening walking paths for ease of movement. They must particularly ensure that no private books are sold at any stall."

Rajib Chowdhury, the owner of Chaitanya Publishers, expressed his view on copyright books, saying, "Awareness regarding copyright has increased. We also follow copyright laws in publishing translated books, although the number is still low. However, the increase in awareness is a positive sign."

Dr. Sarkar Amin added, "This year, the book fair will be conducted fully under the guidelines. Writers, publishers, and responsible individuals are all involved in its management. We seek everyone's cooperation to ensure a rule-abiding book fair."

Additionally, authors and publishers have called for strict law and order control during the fair.