DHAKA, Feb 22, 2018 (BSS) – A two-day International Literature Conference began today at the Amar Ekushey Granthamela-2018 to promote literary works of different languages and multicultural heritages through a vibrant gathering of renowned writers, educationists and researchers.
The theme of the conference is “Contemporary Literature in South Asia”. Over 100 authors, educationists and researchers from six South Asian countries including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are participating in the two-day International Conference.
Director General of Bangla Academy Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan, noted researcher and translator from India Radha Chakrabarty and distinguished participants, among others, addressed at the inaugural function held at the Bangla Academy with Emeritus Professor Rafiqul Islam in the chair.
While presenting keynote at the function, Dr Fakhrul Alam said many talented writers and poets from South Asian countries consolidated their strong position in the arena of the World Literature through writing their extra-ordinary and creative literary works.
Highlighting standards of literary works of South Asian nations, he said powerful writings of many poets and writers have brightened their image at the international level.
Prof Shamsuzzaman said, “We are organizing the two-day International Literature Conference to project literary works of South Asian countries at the world stage…. This two-day conference will be an excellent platform for the participants to share their literary works, which virtually will enrich literature of different languages of South Asian countries.”
Other participants said literary works of Rabindranath Tagore are not only for Bangla speaking people, these are also for whole mankind of the universe as his extra-ordinary creative works contain deep knowledge and messages for the well-being of the people.”
One of the writers, who is taking part in the conference, said, “I am deeply touched with impressive creative works of Rabindranath Tagore and many other writers of Bangla language.”
“I am thrilled as a participant of this book fair. Bangladesh was born as a result of profound love and huge sacrifices for Bangla language.” he added.
Echoing huge love for Bangla literature, other writers said this book fair could be an excellent platform for all people with different languages.
The month-long book fair began on February 1 at Bangla Academy and its adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan in the city. Necessary security arrangements have already been made with the installation of 250 closed circuit camera televisions (CCTVs) in and around the Bangla Academy complex. The law enforcers have been deployed in large numbers to ensure foolproof security.
The book fair will remain open for all from 3pm to 9pm on working days and 11am to 9pm on government holidays with a one-hour break for lunch and offering prayers. It will continue till February 28. Two main entry gates have been erected at Teacher-Students’ Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University and Doyel Chattar.
A total of 800 stalls including 670 book stalls, 150 stalls of little magazines and some stalls of different socio-cultural organizations have been installed in the book fair covering an area of 1.50 lakh square feet. Bangla Academy will publish 146 new books this year.
The authorities for the first time have included the Swadhinata Stambha (Independence Monument) at the Suhrawardy Udyan as part of the book fair.
A mancha (stage) for holding publication ceremonies and programme on unveiling covers of the books has been installed at the Suhrawardy Udyan while discussions and seminars will be held every day on the main mancha erected on the Bangla Academy premises.