Books of expatriate writers, published in this year’s “Amar Ekushey Book Fair,” have got the attention of connoisseurs and book lovers.
Experts opined that those books, depicting the lives and legacy of Bangladeshi diasporas, were of high interest as the number of people living abroad was quite large. Expat authors have a more cosmopolitan view that local readers love, plus a large section of the readers have friends and relatives living abroad, something that entice them to read about tales outside the country.
Meanwhile, the fair witnessed a huge gathering yesterday as its month long festivity is going to end tomorrow. Book lovers were seen busy buying books, while the publishers were also very active in the stalls.
Expressing his content regarding the works of expatriate writers, Bangla Academy Director General Shamsujjaman Khan said: “Their works have ushered a new era in Bangla literature. It shows their commitment to their roots. As Bangladeshis are living in every nook and cranny of the world, their works have great impact inside Bangladesh, and outside.”
He also opined that these works were creating an international platform for Bangla literature, and mentioned about the academy’s initiative to award the expatriate writers. He said: “We think the award will encourage them to create more literature and research.”
This year the academy has decided to confer the award to Ishaq Sajal, Faruque Ahmed and Dr Jakaria.
Lutfor Rahman Riton, a Canadian expatriate writer who has come to Bangladesh to attend the Book Fair, told Dhaka Tribune: “Every year, a big number of expatriate Bangalee writers come to Bangladesh to attend the fair. This shows how much they love Bangla literature and language.”
Different publications have published few expatriate writers’ books this year – Dr Foyjul Islam’s “Swopner Prithibite Nishprovo Podocharona” by Utsho Prokashoni, Joglul Alom’s “Markin State Department Er Gopon Dolil” and “The Birth of Bangladesh in American Press” by Oboshor Prokashoni, Daud Hayder’s “Bilomber Deri Holo Keno” and Dr Abdur Rob’s “A Voice across the Ocean” by Joyoti Prokashoni.
A total of 107 new books, including Dr Anu Muhammad’s “Democracy, Government, Development” by Nalonda, Topon Bagchi’s “Amar Vetor Boshot Kore” by Ilma Publication, Udisa Islam’s “Comic Rajjo: 14 Nari Nirmata” by Vashachitro, Ahsan Habib’s “Krishno Mekur O Onnanno Dhekur” by Noborag Prokashoni, were published yesterday.
A discussion titled “Bishwa Oitijjo Hishabe Jamdani” was held at the central stage of the fair where Dr Firoj Mahmud presented the key note paper.