Publishers previously excluded from the Ekushey Book Fair have now been allocated stalls.

Daily Bijoy News Special Correspondent:

Several publishers who were previously denied stalls at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair during the tenure of the previous Awami League government have finally been granted space to showcase their books this year. Many of these publishers, primarily focused on Islamic literature, had long accused the authorities of discrimination, claiming their efforts to distribute and sell books were also hindered. 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.

Despite their absence from the fair in previous years, their books have consistently ranked as bestsellers on online platforms, underscoring the significant demand for Islamic literature. Notable titles include Paradoxical Sajid by Arif Azad and Message and Reflections from Sura Yusuf by Mizanur Rahman Azhari.

Guardian Publications, established in 2017, secured a stall for the first time this year (Stalls 517 and 518). Its publisher, Nur Mohammad Abu Taher, remarked, “We were victims of a repressive system that stifled freedom. However, since 5 August, we have witnessed changes, and previously excluded publishers are now being included.”

Somokalin Prokashon, also founded in 2017, is participating in the fair for the first time, bringing over 40 new titles. Its director, SM Aksarul Houque, alleged that Bangla Academy officials aligned with the previous government had unjustly labeled them as fundamentalists to justify their exclusion.

Sobujpatro Publications, established in 2008, has been allocated a stall for the first time in 17 years. Publisher Mohammad Helal Uddin attributed past rejections of his stall applications to his association with publishing works by Professor Golam Azam.

Darus Salam Bangladesh, founded in 2013, received a stall for the first time this year and has introduced 10 new books. Proprietor Muhammad Abdul Jabbar stated, “Our books reflect Islamic ideology, which led to our exclusion. The fair should embrace diverse voices, and we hope to continue participating in the years to come.”

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 specialize 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, criticized the previous government for suppressing certain publishers. “Hundreds of publications were sidelined under the authoritarian regime of Sheikh Hasina. If the affected parties file complaints, we will investigate and take appropriate action against those responsible.”

Additionally, several books banned under the Awami League government have reappeared at this year’s fair. These include 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 inclusion of previously excluded publishers and the resurgence of banned books, this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair signifies a notable shift toward greater inclusivity and diversity in Bangladesh’s literary landscape.

Daily Bijoy News/ (Collected)