Stall vandalized at Book Fair over showcasing Taslima Nasrin’s book

A stall at the Ekushey Book Fair was vandalized after displaying banned Taslima Nasrin's book Chumbon (Kiss).

The incident, which took place on Monday evening at around 6 PM, led to a scuffle between students and the publisher.

Subsequently, the publisher, Shatabdi Bhav, was handed over to the police by members of Tawhidi Janata, and the stall was later covered with tarpaulin.  

An anonymous member of Tawhidi Janata stated, "Taslima Nasrin's book was being displayed at the stall. A group of students arrived, questioned the publisher about selling a banned book, which led to an argument. When the situation escalated, a physical altercation broke out between the students and the publisher. Police officicals nearby attempted to control the situation. The publisher then chanted 'Joy Bangla,' which attracted a larger crowd, leading to his handover to the police."  

According to the Book Fair Police Control Room, a dispute arose over the sale of Taslima Nasrin's book. The police confirmed that the publisher is now in custody and being taken to Shahbagh Police Station.

Following the incident, the Bangla Academy Book Fair Management Committee was holding an emergency meeting on the issue.  

Reacting to the incident, Taslima Nasrin wrote on Facebook: "Extremist terrorists tried to destroy the Sabyasachi stall at the book fair. So, what should the book fair authorities do? They should ensure security for everyone at the stall. Those who threatened to destroy the stall and kill the publisher and writer should be arrested and punished. Instead, the authorities have asked the publisher to remove my book from the fair. The terrorists will remain, but the book will be removed—this is the justice of pro-extremist authorities."  

In a video statement, publisher Shatabdi Bhav said, "Several Islamist groups and individuals posted on Facebook, calling for the Sabyasachi stall to be destroyed due to the presence of Taslima Nasrin's book. The book fair’s security department instructed me to remove the books, so I have been forced to do so. As of now, Taslima Nasrin’s books are no longer available at the fair."