DU Correspondent :
In defiance of regulations, a considerable number of unauthorized items such as notes, guides, English dictionaries, grammars, and IELTS examination preparation books-items prohibited under the Book Fair Policy-have been observed for sale and display at the Book Fair.
Additionally, numerous stalls at the book fair are operating without meeting the policy’s conditions, and multiple books with identical International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs) are being circulated. However, the book fair authority has refrained from taking any immediate action, pending the issuance of show-cause letters to the respective publishers.
As per Section 7.3 of the Book Fair Policy, publishers are explicitly prohibited from storing, displaying, or selling notebooks, notes, guides, and pirated books.
Furthermore, the policy stipulates that books from other publishers may only be sold at one stall as a distributor. Any deviation from this guideline results in immediate closure of the respective stall and blacklisting of the publishing house for the current year and one subsequent year.
During a visit to the Book Fair, it was observed that numerous stalls were offering guidebooks, mathematics, English, and computer learning materials, along with pirated books. For instance, Doel Prokashoni prominently displayed various books, including “Quick Vocabulary,” alongside grammar guides, verb dictionaries, gaming packages, and mathematics learning aids.
Tasfia, an attendant at the Doel Prokashoni stall, reported that English learning materials had been selling well since the fair’s inception, alongside a selection of stories and novels.
Another stall, Friends Book Corner, was found selling IELTS preparation books from Cambridge and other sources, along with additional English learning materials.
Similar practices were observed at Systech Publications, which offered books covering various subjects in computer science and engineering, and Hate Khori Publication, which specialized in “School Geometry” for geometry education. Other stalls, including Mollick Brothers, were also found to be engaged in similar activities.
Responding to inquiries, Systech Publications’ Marketing Manager Miyaji defended their offerings, stating, “All our books, except textbooks and note-guides, are original creations. There is a significant demand for computer books at the fair.”
However, the fair authority has been unable to effectively address copyright infringement issues despite evidence. Deputy Registrar of the Copyright Office, Abul Kashem Mohammad Fazlul Haque, explained that during raids on publications, ISBN numbers of new books are checked. Additionally, contracts with the original publishers of translated books are required, which many publishers fail to produce.
Publishers view the enforcement of these rules and regulations as essential to maintaining order at the fair.
Shyamal Pal, Vice President of the Book Publishers and Sellers Association, remarked, “Numerous major publications are selling unauthorized English learning materials and guides at the fair.
All violators should face consequences. While the fair authorities are issuing show-cause notices, closing stalls during the fair could lead to disorder. The fair committee may make decisions regarding this matter at the fair’s conclusion.”
According to fair authority sources, the fair management committee has penalized 19 publications based on recommendations from the task force committee for various policy violations.
KM Muzahidul Islam, Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair Committee, disclosed that the task force team is currently investigating allegations of rule violations. Show-cause notices have been issued to some publications, with responses received from several already.
Regarding decisions concerning these publications, Islam stated, “The fair committee, comprising 32 members, will need to convene with the Bangla Academy. The 19 publications have been warned, and final decisions will be made post-fair.”
The book fair spanned 26 consecutive days, opening at 11 am and concluding at 9 pm, during which 246 new titles were introduced.
