Photo:BSS

By Naser Uddin

DHAKA, Feb 24, 2025 (BSS) – The Amar Ekushey Book Fair witnessed a wave of literary works on the memories of July uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina led government bringing an end to the long standing authoritarian regime.

The writers and poets came up with different genres of literary works including fictions, non fictions, compilation of stories and poetries depicting significant events of July uprising as well as the brutality of Awami League’s 16 years of fascism.

Over 100 books - mostly non fictions, along with poetry and short stories—have been released on the July mass uprising at this year's book fair, according to Bangladesh Academy, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement stall sources and publishers.

Talking to BSS, publisher, authors and visitors said young generation seems to be more interested to read the history and the stories of the student-led mass uprising which is considered as the most significant event of the country after Liberation War in 1971.

Baatighar Publications owner Mohammad Nazim Uddin said the younger generation is showing greater interest in books about the July uprising  
“Two books— July- eri-Golpo and Lal Bosonto Dinlipi— have been published by Batighar on the July uprising,” he said, adding , “More non-fiction books have been published on this topic, along with some poetry and short story books so far.”

Sajjad Sharif, editor of July Gono Obbhuttaner Sakkho published by Prothoma, said he tried to include the stories of diverse people including students, teachers, artists, rickshaw pullers, Bengalis, hill people, Muslims, Hindus, and more.
 
“The book also documented posters, wall writings, and slogans from social media during the uprising,” he said stressing the need for documentation of the uprising through literary works.

“It is crucial to document the events of this uprising. As the memories are still fresh, it’s the perfect time to record them. It would be even better if those who were directly involved in the movement write about their experiences,” said Sajjad Sharif.

He also noted that all books on the uprising published by Prothoma have been selling well, highlighting people’s interest in understanding more about the July uprising.

“I will urge writers to bring forth an unbiased history of the July uprising. We have noticed that many aspects of Bangladesh’s history have been exaggerated, which can obscure the impartiality of the history,” he said. 

Zahid Ahsan, in charge of the stall of Anti-Discrimination Student Movement (ADSM), said excitement centering July uprising continues. “People are coming every day to purchase books about the uprising. There is a palpable thirst for knowledge on this event,” he added.
  
He stressed the importance of unbiased historical writings saying, “We urge writers to maintain an impartial approach while documenting the history as there is often an exaggeration in the narratives of events in Bangladesh's history, which can obscure the impartiality of the history.”

 Zahid, also secretary to ADSM office sell, revealed that a book titled ‘Tomar Chokhe Juli (July Through Your Eyes)’ will soon be available at the fair, featuring writings from individuals who were active in the July uprising.

“Everyone has shared their own personal experiences in the book,” he added.
Among the poets, Poliar Wahid has written a poetry book titled ‘Guli o Gaddar (Bullets and Traitors)’, published by Ghashful. The poetry book contains 45 poems reflecting on the events of the July uprising, touching on the issues that spurred the movement and honoring martyrs, injured.

“The poems are based on the facts that motivated us during the movement. Several poems are dedicated to the martyrs and the injured during the movement,” said Poliar. 
Shakil, a sales representative at Prothoma, said, “Books related to the July uprising are being eagerly purchased by readers. There is an increased desire among the public to learn more about this historic event.”

‘Hashtag July Biplob’ by Farzana Mahbub and ‘Ekti Golaper Jonno’ by Sabbir Jadid, are mentionable among the best selling books on July uprising, published by ‘Oitijjhya’ publication, said stall attendant Abdullah Al Naim.

Young poet Joyen Uddin Sarkar Tanmoy has published a poetry book titled ‘July o Ekta Laal Mashrik’, with 70 poems focusing solely on the July uprising and exploring various aspects of the event. 

“Readers are eager to learn more about the July uprising. There is a clear interest in collecting books that document the significant event,” he said. 

Noted author and researcher Badruddin Umar has also contributed to the uprising’s literary portrayal with his book ‘Bangladesh-e-July-er-Gono Obbhutthan’ (The July’s mass Uprising in Bangladesh), published by Sangskriti Publication.

The first edition of the book has already sold out. However, the publisher has confirmed that the second edition will be available soon. 

Books published by Prothoma Publications include – July Gono Obbhutthaner Sakkho, Red July: The Journey of the 24th Mass Uprising, Ami-e Rastra (I am the State), Sheikh Hasina’s Patankal (Downfall of Sheikh Hasina), Chhatra Janatar Gono Obbhutthan Natun Path e Bangladesh, Resistance against autocracy: constitutional reform and amendment and Songbadpatre July Obbhutthan.

Books released by Oitijhyo include – Julayer Oshesh Pakhira (Endless Birds of July), Self-Surrender: Those Who Gave Lives in July Mass Uprising, From Rebellion to Revolution: Safe Road Movement to July Uprising, #JulyRevolution and Ekti Golaper Jonno (For a Rose).
Baatighar Publications released – Julyer Golpo and Lal Bosonto Dinlipi. Book released from Ghashful Publications are - ‘Guli o Gaddar (Bullets and Traitors), Mastuler Jhoor (Storm of the Mastul) and Doel Pakhi. 

Mizan Publishers released – Hridoye July 36 and Anti-Discrimination Students-People’s Movement: Interim Government. Gyankosh Publications released - Train to Dhaka and Natun Digonte Jegeche Bhor. 

Other books published on the Mass Uprising include – Bakshal-theke-Shoirachar, Bhoytantra, Mass Uprising of 24: Memoir and History, What Do, Droher Jagarone July and Rokte Lekha Biplob (Revolution Written in Blood), Chhatra Janatar Obbhutthan: Antarbarti Bhabna, 36 July: victory of Student people, downfall of fascism, Fascist Hasina, Chobbisher Gonoobbhutthan, Chobbisher Bangladesh, Aynaghar, Curfew Diner Kabita, Roktakto July 24, Seven Martyrs of the July Revolution, Lal Julyer Golpo, Red Tears, July 36 er Biplob, Desh kapano 23 Din, the Epic Fall of Dictator Sheikh Hasina, 36 July From Quota Reform Movement to Mass Uprising-24, Swadhinotar Obbhutthan, 36 July, Gono Obbhutthaner Puthi, 36 July 2024, Diary of July 1 to July 36, Chhatra Janatar Obbhutthan 2024, Ami Bijoy Dekhechi: 36 July,  Rokto Jhora July, Ami Ke? Tumi ke? Rajakar Rajakar, Rokte Bheja Bangladesh, 36-e July, Nipater Dinlipi, Roktakto July, Halchal (Magazine), Sraboner Golpo, Mrittur Manchitra, Amar Dekha Swadhinota, Fascism, July-August Biplober Addyapanta, 16 years of Fascist Hasina, Julyer Dingulo, July Genocide, Nana-Natni, Ei Desh Tomar Amar, Kolahol Sheshe, Prio Bhumi, Story of 100 martyrs, July Biplob, Bodher Obbhutthan, Roktakto 36 July, Graffiti, Gumer Janani (Mother of Disappearance), Nirbachito Sompadakiyo (selected editorial), July Diary, July and a red Masrik, Gonobhabaner Bhut, Procchode Rokto Rong, Mihir, Chetonar Chitrapat, Massacre in Bangladesh, Amrito Rokto, Gonohotta o Bakswadhinata, Gonoroomer Prem Bilash, Amar Natun Bangladesh, Dur Nakkhatrya, Corruption Free Country, Roktakto Dalil, 24 er Biplobi Kobita, Gen-z, Odhikar, Gonotantra Mukti Pak, Curfew Diary, Azadi, Bhuter Baccha, Dui Patar Avash, Kaler Dhoni, Rokte Jhora 24 and Rokter Plabone Artanat.

Besides, at least six books were published in the book fair with the title ’36 July’.