The 34th International Bangla Book Fair was inaugurated on Friday at Jamaica Performing Arts Center (153-10 Jamaica Avenue), New York, in a vibrant and culturally rich ceremony.
The four-day event, organized by Muktadhara Foundation, will run from May 23 to May 26. Continuing a tradition that has spanned over three decades, this year’s fair brings together authors, poets, literary figures, and publishers from Bangladesh and around the world to celebrate Bangla language, literature, culture, and the spirit of the Liberation War.
Celebrated Bangladeshi author Sadat Hossain officially inaugurated the fair. The opening day featured literary discussions, poetry readings, recitations, debates, seminars, workshops, and cultural performances. A major highlight is the special photo exhibition titled "Amar Ekushey: A Pictorial History of the Language Movement (1947–1956)", presented by the Ekushey Chetana Parishad, USA.
The chief guest at the inaugural ceremony was Phyllis Taylor, an American friend of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Her late husband, Richard Taylor, had made headlines in 1971 by blockading weapons-laden ships in the ports of Philadelphia and Baltimore to protest U.S. arms shipments to Pakistan. His defiant act is remembered as a significant moment of international solidarity during Bangladesh's struggle for independence.
In her speech, Phyllis Taylor said: “When I see the light on this stage, I see the illuminated souls who worked for a nation in 1971. I thank those who invited me here. My husband Richard dedicated himself to blocking warships during the Liberation War, and later wrote a book titled ‘Blockade.’ Though he is no longer with us, it feels as though he is here in spirit.”
Prominent economist Dr. Rehman Sobhan, a guest of honor, expressed deep appreciation: “It’s a pleasure to be here with Phyllis Taylor. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to her and to her late husband. I sincerely thank Muktadhara Foundation for organizing this 34th International Book Fair. Events like these help strengthen our fragile and fading cultural heritage.”
Renowned scholar Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, also a special guest, said: “Book fairs are very dear to me. I don’t attend many events, but I came running when I heard about this one. I fondly remember my mother, who worked with Biranganas (war heroines). We visited Dhaka in 1973. It was a remarkable time. My father also held a senior government post in Dhaka.”
Dr. Sitara Begum, a decorated Liberation War hero and retired army captain, reminisced: “I am thrilled to be back at this fair. It’s wonderful to see everyone dressed in saris and panjabis—it tempts me too! Let me share a memory: we used to perform surgeries at night using hurricane lamps. One night, we ran out of oil. Dr. Zafrullah told me I had to go to Udaipur, 40 kilometers away, to fetch it. It was an unforgettable journey.”
International political analyst Dr. Rounaq Jahan shared her thoughts: “I’m happy to be back at the book fair after two years. I used to come often. Congratulations to Bishwajit and all involved for running this extraordinary event for 34 years. The fact that it is sustained entirely through voluntary contributions is remarkable. I urge everyone to buy books, and I call on publishers to focus on translating Bangla literature into English for global reach.”
This year, over 30 well-known publishing houses are participating in the fair. Writers and publishers have already arrived in New York, and visitors are enjoying an environment rich in literary exploration and cultural festivity.
Notable attendees at the opening ceremony included Rokeya Haider, convener of the fair and former head of Voice of America’s Bangla Service; Bishwajit Saha, CEO of Muktadhara Foundation; Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, Chairperson of the foundation; Dr. Nazrul Islam and Saud Chowdhury, Co-chairpersons; Golam Faruk Bhuiyan, Advisor; and Dr. Obaidullah Mamun, Senior Member.
