Anwesha Publication arranged the launch of “Jole Khuji Dhatob Mudra,” the author’s third publication, at Shamsur Rahman Seminar Hall of Bangla Academy on Monday evening.
As chief guest, the poet and author Helal Hafiz said, though Shakil was no more, his works and way of life would encourage and teach us how to love. Shakil was a bridge between the state and literature and had opened a door toward connecting work and performance, he said.
His unexpected death is a great loss for the country and its people, he also said, adding that “the nature of states around the world is oppressive, but the current PM had shown cordiality to artists and authors, a trait we also saw in Shakil.”
Former foreign minister Dipu Moni described Shakil as a creative persona in culture, art, literature and politics. During his political heyday, his thoughts remained aligned with democracy and non-communalism.
Publisher of Anwesha Publication, Md Shahadat Hossain, Professor Fakrul Alam, Shakil’s wife and daughter, among others, spoke at the launch, which was presided over by Pijush Bandyopadhyay.
Meanwhile, 90 more books became newly available at the fair with eight books being formally unveiled.
A discussion on “Haricharan Bandyopadhyay and his dictionary” was also held at Bangla Academy, with Dr Sharosish Sarkar presenting the keynote paper.
Horicharon made significant contributions to the Bangla language and the development of Bangla dictionaries, especially concerning local dialects and word usage, Dr Sarkar said, adding that Dr Muhammad Shahidullah continued his work in the 1960s by editing local language dictionaries.
Contemporary specialists are contributing to the Bangla language with the help of these books, said speakers at the discussion.
The fair will remain open from 3pm to 8:30pm every day and 11am to 8:30pm on holidays.
Thursday, June 04, 2026
