A three-day Bangabandhu International Book Fair concluded successfully in New York under the slogan “Let Books Be the Sharpened Armor of ’71,” bringing together writers, artists, intellectuals and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora in a celebration of Bengali language, culture and the spirit of the Liberation War.
The event was organized at the Evangel Christian Center in Long Island City by the Ekattorer Prohori Foundation with the participation of expatriate Bangladeshis from different communities and generations.
One of the major highlights of the fair was the presentation of the “Bangabandhu International Book Fair and Nabi-Zinat Foundation Literary Award” to renowned Bangladeshi author and academic . The award carried a cash prize of 2,000 US dollars and a commemorative crest. As the celebrated writer is currently residing abroad after leaving Bangladesh amid political unrest, the award was received on his behalf by Swikriti Barua, member secretary of the Ekattorer Prohori Foundation.
The judging panel included noted writers and intellectuals from the United States and Canada, among them , Tajul Mohammad, Dr. Ataul Karim, Salma Bani, Dr. Sezan Mahmud and poet Fakir Ilyas.
The fair featured a wide range of seminars, symposiums, cultural performances, poetry recitations, documentary screenings and discussions on contemporary Bangladeshi politics and global issues. Several speakers voiced concern over what they described as rising extremism and political instability in Bangladesh and called on the global Bengali community to remain united in protecting the secular values of the country.
Around 22 book stalls participated in the fair, showcasing books on the Liberation War, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bengali nationalism and contemporary literature. Organizers said books related to the Liberation War and Bangabandhu were among the best-selling titles during the event.
The inaugural ceremony on May 15 was marked by a colorful cultural procession featuring drums, dance performances and a guard of honor by freedom fighters in front of a portrait of . American poet and translator attended the opening ceremony as chief guest.
Among those present at the event were former Bangladeshi foreign minister , freedom fighter Tajul Imam, former National Press Club president Farida Yasmin, community leaders, businesspersons and cultural activists.
The fair also featured performances by renowned singers and artists including Shreya Guha Thakurta, Joy Shankar, Dinat Jahan Munni and Baul artist Kala Mia. Cultural organizations from across the Bangladeshi diaspora community in North America took part in music, dance and recitation programs throughout the three-day event.
Organizers also arranged drawing competitions, essay contests and cultural activities for children and young participants to encourage engagement with Bengali language and heritage among second-generation immigrants.
A special magazine titled “Utthan” was published to mark the occasion under the supervision of Dr. Nurun Nabi and edited by Aslam Ahmad Khan with coordination by poet Fakir Ilyas.
At the closing ceremony, organizers thanked writers, publishers, artists, sponsors and volunteers for their support and expressed hope that next year’s Bangabandhu International Book Fair would be held on an even larger scale.
