Nagorik Somaj condemns attack on UPL's Banglabazar showroom

Thirty-six representatives of Nagorik Somaj have strongly condemned an alleged attack and harassment of staff at the Banglabazar showroom of University Press Limited (UPL) over demands to stop the sale of the book 'Oshomapto Atmojiboni' (The Unfinished Memoirs). They demanded a neutral investigation into the incident and legal action against those involved, as well as ensuring the safety of UPL staff and all publishers and booksellers.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, they said that on September 28, several individuals went to UPL's Banglabazar showroom and behaved aggressively, demanding that the sale of 'Oshomapto Atmojiboni' be stopped. They pulled down the shop's shutters and harassed two salespersons. It was also alleged that they were later taken to a police outpost and detained. Intimidating the staff of a publishing house in this manner over a book is a matter of deep concern.

The statement said everyone has the right to disagree with a book's contents, criticise it or debate it. However, that right does not permit taking away others' right to publish, sell or read a book. Whether a book is banned should be determined through a lawful process, not on the basis of declarations and pressure from any individual or group. This principle applies equally to all writers, publishers and readers, regardless of political differences.

The Nagorik Somaj representatives said 'Oshomapto Atmojiboni' is an important book for the study of Bangladesh's history. There may be differing assessments of the book. However, the path for expressing dissent is discussion, research and argument. Attacking a bookshop or harassing salespersons can in no way be a substitute for that.

In their view, if such incidents continue, publishers will face obstacles in publishing books independently and readers in choosing books independently.

The statement demanded a neutral investigation into the incident and legal action against those involved. They also demanded an examination of the role of the police regarding the allegation that salespersons were taken to a police outpost and detained. At the same time, they called for ensuring the safety of UPL staff and all publishers and booksellers.

The statement said protecting freedom of expression and the space for knowledge practice is the responsibility of both the state and society. They called on all conscious citizens, including writers, readers and publishers, to speak out against the incident.

Those who signed the statement include Senior Advocate of the Bangladesh Supreme Court Sara Hossain, lawyer Kazi Zahed Iqbal, Dhaka University teachers Mosahida Sultana, Samina Lutfa and Rushad Faridi, artiste and cultural organiser Bithi Ghosh, Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyers Manzur Al Matin and Abeda Gulrukh, research director of Srapan Md Zarif Rahman, human rights researcher Apsara Islam Tandra, Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer Priya Ahsan Chowdhury, journalist and researcher Saydia Gulrukh, photographer Shahidul Alam, writer and activist Rehnuma Ahmed, Daily Weather managing editor Faisal Mahmud, Dhaka District and Sessions Court lawyer Masud Rana, Voice for Reform's Fahim Mashroor, BRAC University Professor Firdous Azim, writer and researcher Pavel Partha, architect and human rights activist Farhana Sarmin Imu, Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyers Mohammad Amirul Haque (Tuhin) and Senior Advocate Dr Sharif Bhuiyan, LGBTQI+ rights activist and founder president of Bhenjna Foundation Md Muntasir Rahman, Safia Azim, economist Zia Hasan, Swapan Adnan, Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer Mohammad Rakinul Hakim, Dhaka University teacher Tasnim Siraj Mahbub, indigenous rights activist Rani Yen Yen, researcher and women's rights activist Mahin Sultan, Brac's director Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Naripokkho's movement secretary Gita Das, human rights activist Hamida Hossain, social worker Khushi Kabir, Citizens' Coalition's Syed Hasibuddin Hossain and Dhaka District and Sessions Court lawyer Nafiuul Alam Supta.