The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela is supposed to be a celebration of books, ideas, and Bengali culture. But it has become the centre of a heated debate that goes beyond literature.
Yesterday, Sabyasachi Prokashoni’s stall was shut down following an altercation over Taslima Nasrin’s books. Apparently, Taslima’s books must be shunned. This raises questions about freedom of expression, cultural sensitivity, and the role of the book fair itself, which is a landmark in Bangladesh’s literary calendar
When a group of people gathered at the bookstall yesterday and demanded removing Taslima’s books, it led to a heated argument. As the situation escalated quickly, police stepped in to detain one person from the stall and covered up the stall with tarpaulin to calm things down. Later, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus condemned the mob attack.
The Boi Mela isn’t just a book fair—it’s a symbol of our identity and intellectual freedom. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate literature and culture. But this incident raises a tough question—can the Boi Mela truly be a space for all voices, especially those that challenge traditional beliefs?
On one hand, the fair is meant to encourage open dialogue and the exchange of ideas. On the other, ours is a society where religion and tradition hold significant weight. Balancing the two isn’t easy. When a stall is shut down, even temporarily, it sends a message that some ideas might are too controversial. And that’s a problem.
This incident isn’t just about one publisher or one author. It’s about a bigger question—how do we handle ideas that some find offensive while protecting the right to free expression? It’s a tricky balance but an important one, especially in a place like the Boi Mela, which is rooted in the history of the language movement—a fight for the right to speak freely.
While it is important to respect people’s beliefs, shutting down discussions or removing books can feel like a step backward. The Boi Mela should be a place where difficult conversations can happen, even if they’re uncomfortable. After all, the spirit of Ekushey February is about standing up for the right to express ourselves.
