A group of enraged individuals targeted writer Shatabdi Vobo at the Sabyasachi publication stall at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Monday evening, accusing the stall of selling books written by Taslima Nasrin.
The protest sparked widespread debate on social media.
With police intervention, Shatabdi was escorted out of the fair, where he was also compelled to apologize publicly.
Following the incident, the stall was temporarily shut down.
The Bangla Academy authorities later reopened it, saying that a final decision would be made after a task force meeting.
According to eyewitnesses, a group gathered at the stall after noticing Taslima Nasrin’s books being sold. Writer Shatabdi was present at the time.
A heated exchange ensued when the group questioned why these books were being sold.
At one point, Shatabdi chanted “Joy Bangla,” which further agitated the crowd, leading them to attempt to assault him.
Some demanded that he apologize while holding his ears.
Eventually, Shatabdi folded his hands in a gesture of apology, and the police escorted him away.
Eyewitness Imran Nazir said: “When people tried to attack the writer, the police intervened and took him outside the book fair. Shatabdi then apologized to the agitated students. In response to the rising tensions, the police closed the Sabyasachi stall.”
Dr Selim Reza, convener of the book fair task force, told reporters: “The incident that took place is extremely unfortunate. However, no decision has yet been made regarding the closure of the Sabyasachi stall.
"After a temporary shutdown, it has been reopened. A final decision will be taken following discussions with the book fair committee and our task force members. Such incidents are unexpected.”
