This month has been a pleasure to share all the latest literary treasures I’ve discovered in Dhaka in the past 3 years. Not only has it been fun to read the various books but to dig deeper by creating a network of literature lovers. Another bonus for myself is being able to bring local authors and illustrators to my school for Book Week celebrations. Students love meeting the authors and buying their books to be signed. Making these local connections is inspiring for young aspiring writers and building community.

Bookshops

The local bookshops are a valuable piece to the literature world in Dhaka. They promote authors, purchase books, sell books, and sometimes even publish books. This relationship with them is priceless. In particular, Bookworm is my way of staying updated on all the latest publications due to their efforts and promotions on Instagram (@bookwormbangladesh). They not only sell books but host events with author visits and book signings. Bengal Boi and Baatighar are two other local bookshops that sell books in both English and Bangla as well as publish. They are worth the visits for the collection and the ambiance they provide to book lovers.

Literature Festivals

Two notable literature festivals that occur in Dhaka are the Dhaka Lit Fest and Ekushey Boi Mela. Ekushey Boi Mela is a yearly month-long festival held in February that originally celebrated the Bangla language at the Bangla Academy in Dhaka. It has grown, hosting many local publications and books predominantly in the Bengali language. Not only are there books but it’s a place to dress up, wear flowers, and take photos. The Dhaka Lit Fest happens yearly although there are some gap years. This is to bring a more international flavor, inviting authors from abroad and condensed into a week of many events, author lectures, and most of all book sales. Both events bring joy and fond memories to everyone who loves literature. 

Various book stalls in the festival. Photos taken by Erin Wilson at the Ekushay Boi Mela 2024.

Online Books

One more addition to the month is Cholpori, an online educational platform that offers books in Bengali and English. Books are written by local authors and is in collaboration with HerStory Foundation. It also offers education materials for math and other curricular needs. It has a free option or a paid subscription for additional features.

Dhaka is a vibrant city with many stories to tell near and far. I hope you have found a new book to read from this #BangladeshiLitMonth.

Curator of the #BangladeshiLitMonth at Global Literature in Libraries Initiative:

Erin Wilson currently works as a Teacher Librarian at International School Dhaka, Bangladesh and has worked internationally for 10 years in the following countries; China, India, and now Bangladesh. She has vast experience working in diverse cultures from Native American students to inner-city students and the international community. Her other passion lies in studying Asian dances. Currently she is focused on Odissi classical dance, and uses this dance vocabulary for storytelling in the library to actively engage children. It’s never boring in the library. 

You can follow the school where she works, International School Dhaka Instagram: @ isd_library

Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.