By Shah J. Choudhury
WASHINGTON, D.C.: A vibrant and successfully organized two-day “DC Book Fair and Cultural Festival,” hosted by Bangla Center, concluded in the U.S. capital, drawing a large gathering of writers, readers, and members of the Bangladeshi diaspora.
The event was held at the beautifully designed auditorium of the Bethesda Unitarian Universalist Congregation on River Road, surrounded by a serene and green environment that added to the cultural atmosphere of the fair.
The festival was formally inaugurated on June 26 with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and lamp-lighting by internationally renowned Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin.
In her opening remarks, Nasrin said, “I feel truly grateful and emotional to be here at the inauguration of this book fair. This is not only an honor but also an expression of deep affection. Bangla is not just the language I write in—it is my refuge, my identity, my homeland.”
Reflecting on her life in exile, she added, “Countries have changed, geography has changed, and addresses have changed, but my language has remained unchanged. I continue to write against fundamentalism, injustice, and inequality. Writing is my breath; it is my way of living.”
Describing diaspora book fairs as a form of cultural resistance, she stated, “A state may exile a person, but it cannot exile them from their language. Passports can be taken away, but the doors of one’s mother tongue can never be closed.”
The chief guest, freedom fighter Dr. Nurun Nabi, expressed deep concern over the current situation in Bangladesh, stating, “The country is going through a critical time. The spirit of the Liberation War, once united under the slogan ‘Joy Bangla,’ now faces serious challenges. Cultural and intellectual spaces are under increasing pressure.”
Special guests included prominent journalist Naeem Nizam, Shaban Mahmud, children’s author Humayun Kabir Dhali, former minister Zahid Ahsan Russell, MP Nazrul Islam Babu, Zakaria Chowdhury, Nurul Amin Babu, and several other distinguished figures.
The fair was further enriched by the presence of writers, poets, journalists, and cultural activists, including Anis Ahmed, Ashraf Ahmed, Lutfun Nahar Lata, Fakir Ilyas, Farhana Ilyas Tuli, Khaled Sarfuddin, Abu Sayeed Ratan, Mishuk Selim, Gopal Sanyal, Anwar Selim, Minhaj Ahmed, Aslam Ahmed Khan, Gopan Saha, Pinaki Talukdar, Nupur Chowdhury, and Santosh Barua, among others.
Publishing houses from Dhaka and New York participated actively, including Ananya, Somoy, Nalanda, Bangladesh Writers Club USA, Kalik, and Binapani Book Stall, along with several local vendors.
A key highlight of the fair was the enthusiastic participation of the younger generation, reflecting a growing interest in the Bangla language and culture among diaspora youth. This year, Bangla Academy Award-winning author Noorjahan Bose was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Throughout the two-day festival, attendees enjoyed book discussions, poetry readings, recitations, and engaging cultural performances. Artists from both local communities and New York captivated audiences with musical performances, featuring Shah Mahbub, Reshmi Mirza, Dinar Moni, Ibrar Tipu, and Bindukona. Notable guests included acclaimed actress Moushumi and Pinusen Das.
The overall coordination of the event was managed by distinguished journalists Dastagir Jahangir, Samina Amin, and Moni Deyna. The program was smoothly hosted by Md. Mridul Ahmed, whose dynamic presentation added vibrancy to the event.
Bringing a piece of Bangladesh to Washington, D.C., the book fair stood as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between language, culture, and identity within the diaspora community.
Photos by Coleected
