Igniting free thought at Amar Ekushey Book Fair

The realization that Bengali Muslim society has long lagged in the fields of education, art, literature, culture, and the practice of free thought was first profoundly recognized by the writers of the Shikha community. In response, they initiated the "Liberation of the Mind" movement in the mid-1930s. Under the banner of the 'Muslim Literary Society,' intellectuals such as Abul Husain, Kazi Abdul Wadud, Kazi Motahar Hossain, Motahar Hossain Chowdhury, Kazi Anowarul Kadir, Abdul Kadir, and Abul Fazal took an active role in this movement. Their guiding mantra was, "Where knowledge is limited, intellect is stifled, liberation is impossible."

In essence, the primary goal of this movement was to eradicate the deep-rooted customs, superstitions, ignorance, and backwardness that had developed over centuries in Bengali Muslim society. Instead, the movement sought to replace these with rationalism, secularism, humanity, scientific thinking, and the enlightenment of the Renaissance. The inspiration for this intellectual liberation was the founding principle behind the establishment of Tamaddun Majlis in Dhaka in early September 1947. It was through their efforts that the Bengali language movement began, which eventually transformed into our struggle for self-determination and led to the achievement of the long-desired independence after thousands of years.

To commemorate the heroic sacrifice of the Language Martyrs and preserve the memory of their valor, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been held at the Bangladesh Academy premises since 1972. Initially organized on a small scale, the fair now spans a vast area. It occupies nearly half of the enormous Suhrawardy Udyan. This month-long book fair attracts around fifty to sixty lakh visitors, with more than four thousand books being published. The fair is deeply intertwined with the spirit of our Language Movement and Liberation War. That spirit is a source of inspiration for the practice of free thinking. But does the book fair truly serve as an inspiration for free thought in our minds?

In recent years, it has become evident that the book fair has become primarily a book release event, simply a gathering of people. Like any other typical fair, it has transformed into a bustling ground filled with people’s footsteps. However, the true noble purpose of the book fair — to nurture individuals with free thought — seems to be slowly fading away.

Today, our nation is passing through a critical juncture. A massive popular uprising took place in the middle of the year. Various reforms are underway in the country, and the process of state-building is ongoing. Amidst this, it seems as though the old ideologies, practices, and customs are re-emerging. Certain vested interest groups are attempting to drag the country towards backwardness. The forces opposed to the Liberation War are also raising their heads once again. At the beginning of this year’s book fair, some unpleasant incidents occurred regarding the Bangla Academy Literary Awards. The awards for fiction, Liberation War literature, and children’s literature were canceled due to various controversies. Whatever the reason or manner in which this happened, it has left a shameful mark in the history of the Bangla Academy and the Ekushey Book Fair. We hope such unpleasant events will never repeat.

We want the scope for the practice of free thought to expand in our society and state. In this context, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair should serve as the primary source of inspiration. If knowledge cannot overcome its limitations, intellect will remain stifled, and when reason is stifled, liberation will never be possible. The first condition for achieving liberation is the opening of the boundless gates of knowledge — let this begin with the Ekushey Book Fair.