Following the political shift triggered by the July uprising, changes have also reached the Bangla Academy, influencing this year’s book fair.
Despite initial debates over stall and pavilion allocations, a satisfactory resolution was quickly reached. However, several publishers did not receive stalls, with some not even applying for one.
Speculation is now rife regarding why certain publishers abstained from applying or were denied stalls.
Some cited security concerns, while others attributed it to health issues. Additionally, many believe political affiliations played a significant role in the stall allocations.
Comments from publishers
One such publisher is Robin Ahsan, owner of Shrabon Prokashani, who refrained from applying due to security reasons.
Speaking to this correspondent, he said: "Since August 5, there has been a surge in mob activities across the country. We have received multiple threats because we publish books on the Liberation War and Bangabandhu. Given the situation, we decided not to participate in the book fair."
He also mentioned past instances where Bangla Academy had banned his publishing house’s participation.
"Even under the Awami League government, we were twice prohibited from joining the fair. If the environment is not safe or conducive, there is no reason to attend. We do not just go there to sell books – we create a literary space where authors, readers and friends gather."
Further highlighting security concerns, Robin said: “With the rising chaos, violence and killings, we decided not to apply for a stall this year.
“Our collection includes a significant number of books on Bangabandhu and the Liberation War, as well as progressive, socialist and diverse ideological works. We were unsure whether we would even be able to sell these books. Additionally, our book transport vehicle was vandalized.”
On the other hand, Tarik Sujat, director of Journeyman Books, cited health issues as the reason for not applying for a stall.
"I saw in various newspapers that we were allegedly banned and denied a stall for political reasons. This is completely false. The reality is, we did not even apply for a stall this year.
“The question of approval would have arisen had we applied. Both my wife and I are writers, and we used to personally oversee our stall and fair activities. Due to health concerns, we are not participating this year."
Addressing political affiliations, Tarik said: "Some claim I am a central committee member of the Awami League and that my publishing house is affiliated with the party. But there are many individuals involved in politics who run various industries, including garment businesses – this does not mean their businesses belong to their respective parties.
“Back in 1990, I contested Ducsu elections and was part of the anti-Ershad movement. I have always stood against injustice. If someone at the academy makes claims about me, they should do so with proper knowledge.”
Regarding new books, he said his publishing house did not release books solely for the book fair; it published books year-round.
Even though it would not have a stall this year, his poetry book “Amar Prithibi” would be released midway through the fair, Tarik mentioned.
Meanwhile, a writer, on condition of anonymity, expressed security concerns recalling past incidents.
"On February 26, 2015, writer and blogger Avijit Roy was brutally murdered in front of TSC after leaving the book fair. Later, his publishers were also attacked, and publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan was killed. Given the recent political changes, concerns about security are natural. Therefore, the book fair must ensure maximum security."
The lack of stalls for certain publishers is apparently impacting stall workers as well.
An employee, Habibur Rahman, who works at a book fair stall, said: “When a stall is set up, sales increase and we earn extra income. This year, we lost that opportunity. Moreover, last year, around 10 students who worked at our stall will not have that chance this time."
A prominent publisher, however, dismissed claims of political bias in stall allocations, saying personal disputes might be the real cause.
"Some believe that publishers affiliated with the Awami League were denied stalls, but several Awami League members have received stalls this year.”
If the government started politicizing the publishing industry, it would harm both the book fair and the entire sector, they added.
What Bangla Academy says
About security arrangements, the Bangla Academy informed this correspondent that this year’s book fair would be under strict security measures by law enforcement.
It said the whole area would be guarded by Rapid Action Battalion, police, Detective Branch and plainclothes officers, with over 200 CCTV cameras monitoring the fairground.
Moreover, there will be a control room for surveillance and additional lighting.
If necessary, the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) may impose traffic restrictions or road closures around the venue.
