Bangladesh's Absence at the Agartala Book Fair
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Agartala, Jan 1 (NationPress) In light of the turmoil stemming from political transformations in Bangladesh, no booksellers or publishers from that country are set to attend the upcoming Agartala Book Fair, which begins on Thursday, as reported by officials.
The 43rd Agartala Book Fair, lasting 13 days, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Manik Saha on January 2 and will run until January 14.
Since the inception of the Agartala Book Fair in 1981, it has been customary for either publishers or booksellers from Bangladesh to partake in this annual semi-trade literary festival. In previous editions, books from Bangladesh were also sold by vendors from Kolkata and other cities. However, this year, no Bangladeshi books will be available at the Agartala Book Fair,” a senior official associated with the event informed IANS.
Prominent publisher Debananda Dam indicated that given the current climate in Bangladesh following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League government, there seems to be a reluctance among booksellers and publishers from that nation to attend the Agartala Book Fair.
“Given the circumstances in Bangladesh, even Indian publishers and booksellers are hesitant to offer Bangladesh-related books at the Agartala Book Fair,” Dam stated to IANS.
According to the official, in line with previous years, publishers from Kolkata, Guwahati, and Delhi will participate in this year’s fair, alongside local publishing houses.
The official mentioned that over 150 stalls will be established for this year’s event, which is slightly fewer than last year.
It was noted that there have been recent protests at certain Book Fairs in West Bengal districts following the display of Bangladeshi books.
No Bangladeshi publishers or booksellers are expected at the upcoming 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, commencing on January 28.
In November, a Bangladeshi trader was forced to close his stall at a trade fair in Silchar, southern Assam, after Hindu activists protested against the mistreatment of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
