For the Love of Language Nation and Literature
With a new sun, new authorities emerge, revitalising familiar spaces. The 40th Ekushey Book Fair 2025, themed “July Mass Uprising: Building a New Bangladesh (New Bangladesh Deconstruction),” featured over 700 publishing houses at the premises of Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan. The month-long fair was inaugurated by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government on 01 February. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, a fundamental element of Bangladesh’s literary heritage, returned this year with a striking and visually captivating transformation. Uniquely crafted stalls add an architectural charm that sets this year’s fair apart from the previous editions. Visitors are greeted with the richness of literature and an impressive array of architecturally designed stalls, each presenting a unique identity. The influence of the new government is evident in the fair’s structured setup, where each stall showcases unique aesthetics through bold shapes, intricate exteriors, and thematic designs. When visiting this year’s Ekushey Book Fair, the crowd was astounding. People of all ages turned the fair into a true celebration. The entrance was bustling with various food vans, and women and children were all dressed up. The Book Fair has never been this festive and crowded in recent years, even on working days. Whether for recreation or out of love for books, the fair should continue in this spirit for eternity, celebrating Bangla language and literature. Readers and visitors took a moment to admire the aesthetics embraced by publishers who dedicated extra time and thought to beautifully decorate their pavilions. One of the highlights of this year’s book fair is the pavilion by Iti Prokashon, titled ‘Ziar Bari’ (Zia’s House), named after Ziaur Rahman, a prominent army chief, freedom fighter and politician who served as the sixth President of Bangladesh from 1977 to 1981. A key figure in the country’s War of Independence, Zia’s name has often been sidelined in public discourse and textbooks due to the agendas of the previous autocratic regime. In contrast, Onnodhara Prokashon transformed its pavilion into a representation of the Bangladesh Parliament House. The sight of these two distinct symbols coexisting on the same ground truly captivated visitors. Afsar Brothers gave their pavilion a harmonious blend of heritage and functionality, making it an inviting space for book lovers while paying homage to Bengal’s rich architectural traditions. The structure follows a half-timbered design with exposed wooden beams and white infill panels, resembling classic Bengali rural or zamindari house styles. Other notable mentions include Bishwa Shahitto Kendro, which transformed its pavilion into a two-story BRTC bus structure, paying homage to its Moving Library. Bhashachitro Publications adopted a minimal, monochrome palette, giving the pavilion a simple yet elegant look. Bengal Books chose a wooden pavilion, creating a soothing atmosphere for buyers with its well-decorated books and thoughtful lighting. The Puthiniloy stall featured a book-structured roof, while Gronthik designed its stall to resemble a mud house with bamboo. Shaishab Prakash’s stall is shaped like a whimsical castle, inviting readers into a world of children’s literature. These creative designs add a unique visual and conceptual dimension to the fair, making it not just a place for purchasing books but also for cultural and artistic appreciation. The best pavilion design goes to Batighar, designed by artist Shahinur Rahman. The triangular front featured a stained-glass-like panel with motifs from Nakshi Kantha and Patachitra, reflecting Bengali folk art. Inside, a red dome element, inspired by a Chhoto Sona Mosque, highlighted local heritage. The steeply pitched roof with exposed red clay tiles resembled traditional Bangladeshi huts. For its artistic excellence, Batighar won the Kayum Chowdhury Memorial Award for best pavilion in this year. Sadly, the kids’ section lacked vibrancy, with limited space for children to explore and freely roam around. However, a few stalls, including Shoishob Prokash, Mayurpankhi, and EKRI MIKRI, did a decent job of capturing the attention of young visitors. Shoishob Prokash transformed its stall into a castle-like structure, Mayurpankhi adhered to its palette with subtle adjustments, and EKRI MIKRI added a creative touch by placing a horse for children to play on, making the stall an engaging and fun experience for the little ones. This year, the fair included 66 more stalls than the previous year. 99 publishers were located at the Bangla Academy premises and 609 at the Suhrawardy Udyan area. There were 37 pavilions in total, with one at the Bangla Academy premises and 36 at Suhrawardy Udyan. The Little Magazine Corner had been set up in Suhrawardy Udyan, with 130 stalls. In the children’s corner, 74 institutions had been allocated. The fair also featured daily seminars and cultural programmes in the evening, and a special “Children’s Hour” held every Friday and Saturday from 11am to 1pm. As part of the Amar Ekushey celebrations, various children’s competitions, including art, recitation, and music, were organised. The fair had four entrance points: TSC, Doyel Chattar, MRT station, and Engineering Institute. Director General of Bangla Academy Mohammad Azam and Member Secretary of the Fair Management Committee Sarkar Amin said to Ceramic Bangladesh that the fair was entirely polythene and smoking-free, with security provided by the Police, RAB, Ansar, and various intelligence personnel. All participating institutions sold books on a 25% commission basis. The academy published 43 new books and reprinted 41 books for this fair. A total of 3,300 new titles were published in this Book Fair 2025 and Bangla Academy stall alone sold books worth Tk 61 lakh. Several awards were presented at the fair, including the Chittaranjan Saha Memorial Award for the best publisher, the Munir Chowdhury Memorial Award for artistic excellence, and the Rokanuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award for children’s literature. These awards recognise the contributions of publishers and authors to the literary and cultural landscape of Bangladesh. Written By Fariha Hossain
The Book Launch of ‘Next50: Collective Futures
A significant milestone in shaping Bangladesh’s future was marked today with the official launch of Next50: Collective Futures at BRAC University’s Multipurpose Hall. This landmark publication—the largest edited volume on Bangladesh’s built environment—brings together 81 authors, including many from the Bangladeshi diaspora, to explore the nation’s next five decades of progress, innovation, and connectivity. Spanning 49 chapters across nine major themes, the book examines urban and rural transformation, infrastructure, climate resilience, housing, governance, and technological innovation. Written in accessible language for policymakers, practitioners, and the general public, it bridges cutting-edge research with real-world impact, making complex ideas actionable for those shaping the nation’s future. The event was attended by some of Bangladesh’s most prominent architects, planners, and urbanists from both academia and professional practice. Distinguished guests included Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, and Mohammad Azaz, Administrator of Dhaka North City Corporation, who underscored the urgency of visionary thinking in driving sustainable and inclusive development. The program featured a compelling book introduction by Professor Fuad H. Mallick, Editor-in-Chief of Next50 and Dean of the School of Architecture and Design at BRAC University, followed by an insightful review from Dr. Mohammed Zakiul Islam, Professor at BUET, who highlighted the book’s interdisciplinary approach and its relevance to Bangladesh’s rapidly evolving urban landscape. Adding to the discussions, key stakeholders, including representatives from Shah Cement, reflected on the private sector’s role in shaping the built environment. The event concluded with remarks from the book’s executive editors, Dr. Tanzil Shafique and Dr. Saimum Kabir, who emphasized the collaborative effort behind the publication and its potential to influence future policies and practices. Shah Cement also expressed interest in future collaborations. Beyond the discussions, the launch served as a key networking platform for scholars, policymakers, and industry leaders, fostering dialogue and collaboration on the country’s long-term development. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations over Iftar and dinner, reinforcing the event’s role in strengthening professional and intellectual ties. Organized by Open Studio and Context BD, with support from Shah Cement, the event also reached a wider audience through a live stream, ensuring broader engagement with the book’s mission.
Reviving the Roots: Conservation & Restoration Progress Reflections by Conservation Architect Abu Sayeed M Ahmed
At the anniversary celebration of Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine, esteemed conservation architect and heritage specialist Abu Sayeed M Ahmed presented “Reviving the Roots: Conservation and Restoration Progress”—a heartfelt journey through two decades of architectural conservation across Bangladesh. With vivid images and powerful anecdotes, he reminded the audience that conservation is not about romanticising ruins—it is about safeguarding identity, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity in a nation at risk of forgetting itself. “Every day in Dhaka, a piece of our heritage vanishes. Buildings are bulldozed in the name of development. But without roots, how can we grow a future that is truly ours?” Bringing History Back to Life Nimtali Deuri & Naib-Nazim Museum, Dhaka Abu Sayeed M Ahmed’s first major restoration was the late Mughal-era Nimtali Deuri in Old Dhaka. Hidden under layers of plaster. The restored gateway now houses the Naib-Nazim Museum, commemorating the deputy governors of Dhaka and reflecting a revived connection between the city and its Mughal past. Uttar Halishahar Mosque, Chattogram This 200-year-old mosque was facing demolition for modern expansion. Upon assessment, its authentic Mughal character became evident. Abu Sayeed’s team removed inappropriate cement layers, dismantled an added veranda, and re-clad it in traditional lime and surki. Locals now call it a “Gayebi Mosque”—as if it reappeared by miracle. Nearby, a new mosque by Architect Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury respectfully contrasts the old, echoing its jali motifs in modern concrete. Hanafi Jame Mosque, Keraniganj Once a modest family-owned mosque, it gained global recognition after restoration—winning a UNESCO Award. A new mosque built adjacent to it by Architect Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury, with full visibility of the old structure—offers a striking example of architectural dialogue between past and present, tradition and transparency. Rediscovering Rural Heritage Buraiich Maulvi Bari, Faridpur Neglected and engulfed by vines, this ancestral home seemed destined for ruin. Through sensitive restoration, it has been transformed into a heritage Airbnb, preserving its traditional character while offering economic sustainability. Period furniture, handpicked materials, and contextual storytelling give visitors a window into Bengal’s rural past. Mithamoin Kachari Bari, Kishoreganj This decaying administrative house—once thought beyond repair—was restored to reflect its original civic purpose. From a wild, overgrown ruin, it emerged as a dignified reminder of regional governance and colonial-era architecture, now serving as an active public building. Urban Civic Revival Narayanganj Municipal Building Among Bangladesh’s earliest municipal structures, it was at risk of being replaced. A dual solution—preserve the old and integrate it into the new. Today, it functions as the entrance to the new Nagar Bhaban (City Hall), and plans are underway to convert its upper level into a civic museum. Baro Sardar Bari, Sonargaon A Mughal-Colonial mansion from the Baro-Bhuiyan era, this structure was revived through corporate social responsibility. South Korea-based Youngone Corporation led the project under the leadership of CEO Kihak Sung, who has familial roots in the region. This model highlights how private sector investment can play a crucial role in cultural restoration. Reviving Lost Icons Dhaka Gate (Mir Jumla Gate) Once a neglected and overgrown monument, the historic city gate has been revitalised with its original grandeur—complete with a replicated fire cannon that signals its defensive legacy. Rose Garden Palace, Tikatuli, Dhaka A jewel of Dhaka’s architectural heritage, the Rose Garden was meticulously restored—from stained-glass panels to ornamental plasterwork. Where pieces were missing, they were reconstructed based on archival records, ensuring authenticity over imitation. Hammam Khana, Lalbagh Fort Perhaps the most complex restoration, the Mughal-era bathhouse had suffered colonial and post-colonial misuse. Funded by the U.S. Ambassador’s Fund, the project uncovered a breathtaking pavilion structure, restored lighting from above (true to hammam tradition), and reestablished the original spatial and sensory quality of the Mughal bathhouse. Crafting the Future with the Past Reviving Chini Tikri Ornamentation A rare local tradition, Chini Tikri—the use of broken ceramic dinnerware to form decorative motifs—was resurrected. The team digitally reconstructed patterns, reproduced the plates, broke them and reapplied them by hand. This craft was even adapted into a contemporary mosque in Noakhali, designed by Architect Mamnoon Murshed Chowdhury and Architect Mahmudul Anwar Riyaad, using waste ceramic products donated by Monno Ceramics. These projects demonstrate what is possible when craftsmanship, community, and conservation come together. They are not just restorations—they are cultural revivals, offering spaces where memory, faith, and identity continue to live. Written by Samia Sharmin Biva
