The Dhaka Translation Centre (DTC) at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has announced plans to create a 'Library of Bangladesh' to make works by leading Bangladeshi writers accessible in high-quality translations.
The announcement was made by Dr Kazi Anis Ahmed, founder of the Centre, at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Monday.
The Centre also plans to launch four books at the Hay Festival Dhaka 2015: Syed Shamsul Haque’s Ditiyo Diner Kahini, Hasan Azizul Huq’s Agunpakhi, Syed Manzoorul Islam’s Dinratriguli and Salma Bani’s Vangary.
The translations will be commissioned by DTC and published by Bengal Lights Books in Bangladesh as well as partners abroad. Arunava Sinha, the award-winning Bengali translator from India, will be the series editor.
Dr Kazi Anis said: “DTC aims to assemble the best, most exciting, political, thought-provoking and argument-inspiring presentation for Hay Festival Dhaka.”
He also said: “Those who have been writing after 71' will be focused.”
Speaking at the event, DTC Director and eminent poet Kaiser Haq added: “We are already working on an anthology of Dhaka stories with Commonwealth Foundation and Comma Press in the UK, which will showcase ten writers in translation.”
Khademul Islam, editor of Bengal Lights Books, said: “Bengal Lights and Dhaka Translation Center are committed to bringing out the best of Bangladeshi writing, both in the original English and in English translations of Bengali works, not only for readers at home, but also for the wider global audience.”
Poet Shamim Reza, editor of Kagoj Prokashon, also spoke at the conference.
For more information about DTC, one can visit: http://www.ulab.edu.bd/DTC/dhaka-translation-center/
