35th International Bangla Book Fair begins in New York on May 22

Keeping in mind the slogan 'The more books, the more life', one of the largest literary and cultural events for expatriate Bengalis, the '35th New York International Bengali Book Fair', is starting in New York from May 22. 

This four-day book fair, organized by the Muktadhara Foundation, will be held at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center in Queens.

The organizers have informed that this year's book fair will be inaugurated by novelist Imdadul Haque Milon. The chief guest will be prominent economist and educationist Rehman Sobhan. In addition, the guest list includes Professor Dr. Rawnak Jahan and popular children's writer Faridur Reza Sagar, American poet Bob Holman, Indian poet Subodh Sarkar, writer Farooq Moinuddin, journalist Toufiq Imroz Khalidi, scientist and writer Dipen Bhattacharya and popular novelist Sadat Hossain.

The organizers presented the detailed program of the book fair at a press conference held at a restaurant in Jackson Heights on Sunday (May 10) evening. The convener of the 35th book fair, Dr. Nazrul Islam, Chairperson of Muktadhara Foundation, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed, CEO Biswajit Saha, members of the convening committee, Dr. Obaidullah Mamun and Rabbani Bhuiyan spoke at the event.

Speakers at the press conference said, "For more than three decades, the New York International Bengali Book Fair has been more than just a book market—it has become a unique celebration of Bengali literature, culture, and Bengali identity. This event is playing an important role in bringing Bengali language and culture to the new generation growing up abroad."

According to the organizers, more than 25 publishing houses from Bangladesh, India, the United States, and other countries are participating in this year's fair. 

Notable publishers include: Ankur Publications, Anvay Publications, Avro Publications, Ananya, Ahmed Publishing House, etc. Granth Prakash, University Press Limited, Kathaprakash, Kakoli Publications, Kashvan Publications, Kavi Publications, Granthakutir, Jaldhi, Nalanda, Prothoma Publications, Bengal Books, Batighar, Vidyaprakash, BPL, Mawla Brothers, Soyo Publications, Sampag Publishers, Sahityam, Islam International Publications, Pizza and Poetry and Muktadhara New York.

The entire event will feature new book launches, author-reader chats, literary discussions, poetry readings, musical performances, and various cultural performances.

The book fair will feature multiple seminars and discussion sessions, where prominent figures from home and abroad will discuss Bengali language, literature, history, and contemporary socio-politics. In addition, to engage the new generation, there will be drawing competitions for children and teenagers, Bengali writing competitions, and various presentations of expatriate Bengali culture.

In response to a question at the press conference, the organizers also talked about holding multiple Bengali book fairs in New York almost simultaneously. They noted, "Just using a name for an event does not make it a real book fair; a book fair has a tradition, scope, and responsibility."

The speakers said that the contribution of journalists from the expatriate Bengali media has been unique in the 35-year history of the New York International Bangla Book Fair. It is because of their continuous cooperation that the book fair has gained international recognition.

Dr. Nazrul Islam said in his speech that there is a need for more unity among the people of Bangladesh who support non-communal consciousness. The book fair is also a platform for that cultural unity.