The first day of Dhaka Lit Fest saw a colorful congregation of literary figures and enthusiasts at the historic Bangla Academy compound yesterday.
As the event kicked off on a lovely late autumn morning, defying fears amid attacks on free-thinkers, participants expressed a strong determination and commitment to be united for a firm resistance.
The day was marked by vibrant speeches and discussions that ranged from politics to media to science in relation with literature.
The festival was officially inaugurated by Finance Minister AMA Muhith in the morning. Before the opening, the audience enjoyed a choir by Ghashphoring in the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium.
Terming the festival a pleasant occasion, Muhith said: “In the current world perspective, such a literary festival is a resistance against the attacks on thoughts.”
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor said: “It is exciting to think that so many creative minds all gathered here to share their knowledge and ideas.”
Referring to all the militant attacks across the globe in recent times, he said: “We are facing a time of great conflict.”
Indian writer Nayantara Saghal said as imagination is under attack, literature needs to stand for reason against unreason.
Festival directors Kazi Anis Ahmed, Ahsan Akbar and Sadaf Saaz Siddiqi thanked all the writers, the audience and the hosting partners.
“The vision we have is to build a great literary and cultural heritage of the last two thousand years,” said Sadaf Saaz in her speech.
K Anis Ahmed said: “On the whole, we have a lot of achievements. Now we need to take our Bangladesh to the lap of the world.”
Ahsan Akbar praised the courage of the writers and participants who had braved their countries’ travel advisories and security to attend the festival and show solidarity with Bangladesh and strike a blow for freedom of speech.
Writer Sayed Manzurul Islam said: “This is a festival of minds and books.”
Writer Kaiser Huq also spoke on the occasion.
In the afternoon, Nobel laureate Harold Varmus illustrated the scientific developments with a focus on time and its link to the global politics.
In the evening, the audience enjoyed a vibrant conversation between veteran journalist Jon Snow and WOW founder Jude Kelly.
Besides the discussions, the Bhasha Stage hosted the launching of a special issue on Bangladeshi writing of Wasafiri, the magazine of international contemporary writing.
