The annual Amar Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka, a cultural event meant to celebrate Bangladesh’s literary heritage, became the scene of violence as Islamist extremists attacked a stall displaying books by Taslima Nasrin, a feminist writer and activist living in exile. The attack once again highlighted the growing threats to freedom of expression and the rising influence of religious extremism in Bangladesh.
Attack on the Book Stall
On Monday evening, a group of Islamists stormed the Sabyasachi bookstore’s stall at Suhrawardy Udyan, demanding the removal of Taslima Nasrin’s books. Videos circulating on social media showed the mob turning off the lights and shouting slogans, accusing the stall of “promoting atheism.” The police intervened, detaining writer Shatabdi Bhav, who was present at the scene, and covering the stall with a tarpaulin to prevent further destruction. Amid the chaos, some protesters threatened to burn down the stall, escalating tensions at the event.
Government Condemnation and Police Response
The chief adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on the rights of Bangladeshi citizens and the country’s laws. In a statement issued by his press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, Yunus emphasized that such acts of violence undermine the spirit of the book fair, which commemorates the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.
The government has instructed the police to enhance security measures to prevent further incidents. Shahbagh Police Station Inspector Asaduzzaman confirmed the temporary detention of Shatabdi Bhav but provided no additional details regarding any legal actions against the attackers.
The Exile of Taslima Nasrin
Taslima Nasrin, a physician and writer, has been living in exile since 1994 after facing death threats from Islamist groups due to her criticism of religious fundamentalism and the treatment of women in Bangladesh. Her works, which challenge patriarchal and religious norms, have been banned in the country. However, the Sabyasachi bookstore, run by Sanjana Mehrin, the wife of Shatabdi Bhav, has continued to sell Nasrin’s books at the fair in previous years.
This year, the release of Nasrin’s latest book, Kiss, provoked an intense backlash. Days before the fair began, Islamist groups launched a social media campaign demanding the removal of the stall, alleging that the books spread atheistic ideologies. Sanjana Mehrin revealed that even before the attack, authorities had pressured her to stop selling Nasrin’s works. “We complied, but they came anyway. This fair now feels dominated by militants,” she lamented, visibly distressed.
Fear and Censorship at the Fair
Sanjana Mehrin now fears for her family’s safety as threats against her continue. “Threats are relentless – I fear for my children,” she said. The book fair, which was traditionally a place of intellectual exchange, is now overshadowed by growing censorship and religious intimidation. Fewer people are attending, as extremist groups wield increasing influence over cultural and literary spaces in Bangladesh.
Despite the dangers, Sanjana refuses to be silenced. She announced the forthcoming release of Taslima Nasrin’s second book, Torn Pages, reaffirming her belief in the importance of free thought. “How can people’s minds be free if they are not exposed to the ideas of freethinkers?” she asked, echoing the fundamental struggle between intellectual freedom and religious dogma in Bangladesh.
Political Turmoil and Extremism
The book fair also became a stage for political protest. The Student Movement Against Discrimination placed a symbolic dustbin labeled the “Pillar of Hate” featuring an image of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power last year following mass protests. The group had played a key role in forcing Hasina to resign and flee to India. In a controversial act, Chief Adviser Yunus’s press_ secretary, Shafiqul Alam, was seen throwing dirt into the dustbin on the opening day of the fair. The video was widely shared on social media before Alam deleted the post.
Conclusion
The attack on the book fair is a stark reminder of the escalating tensions between secularists and religious extremists in Bangladesh. The growing influence of radical groups threatens not only freedom of expression but also the safety of those who challenge religious and patriarchal norms. While the government has condemned the attack and promised security measures, the incident raises serious concerns about the future of intellectual freedom in Bangladesh. The battle for free thought continues, as writers, publishers, and activists resist the encroaching tide of extremism that seeks to silence diverse voices and perspectives.
Date: 11 February, 2025
Sources: bangla tribune, prothom alo
