A total of 439 new books on Liberation War hit Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela, the largest book fair in the country, in last five years.
Liberation War was a revolution and armed conflict sparked by the rise of the Bengali nationalist and self-determination movement in East Pakistan, which resulted in the independence of Bangladesh.
The war began when the Pakistani military junta based in West Pakistan--under the orders of Yahya Khan--launched Operation Searchlight against the people of East Pakistan on the night of 25 March 1971.
According to Bangla Academy, a total of 152 books on Liberation War were published at the book fair this year. Besides, 287 new books on Liberation War were published at the book fair in the previous four years.
The writers and publishers said that in these books, various events and history during the time of liberation war are highlighted so that the country’s people can gain knowledge about liberation war.
This year Md Faridul Alam, a non-government employee, wrote a book of poems titled 'Kobitay Jiboner Golpo' published by Mohakal Prokasani.
Faridul Alam said, “I have written poems on all aspects of life in this book. There are a total of 53 poems in the book. I am getting a good response from booklovers."
"Our liberation war is a sensitive subject. For this, writers should always be aware of the correct information. If I write books based on wrong information, the new generation will learn the wrong history," he added.
However, a total of 298 new titles hit the book fair on Friday.
At the programme "Lekhok Bolchi", researcher Dr M Abdul Alim, essayist Nahar Monika, poet Snigdha Baul and writer of juvenile Apu Borua discussed their new books.
A discussion titled "Remembrance: Brigadier (retd) Abdul Malik" was held at the main stage of the fair on Bangla Academy ground at 4pm. Harisul Haque presented the article while Prof ABM Abdullah presided over the event. Fazilatunnesa Malik and SM Mustafa Zaman Nishane also participated in the programme.
"Prof Abdul Malik was not only a good doctor but also a great teacher and a philanthropist. It is through his fame that he will live forever in the hearts of the masses," Prof ABM Abdullah said in his speech.
A discussion titled "Remembrance: Shahid Saber and Remembrance: Panna Kaiser" will be held at the main stage of the fair on Bangla Academy ground at 4pm on Saturday. Monir Yousuf and Mamun Siddiqi will present the article while Ramendu Majumdar will preside over the event. Gias Uddin, Suvash Singho Roy and Shomi Kaiser will also participate in the programme.
The book fair will open at 11:00 am on Saturday and continue till 9:00 pm. Visitors can't enter the fair after 8:30 pm.
