Probe launched after unrest over Taslima Nasrin’s book at Boi Mela

NN Online:

An investigation committee has been formed after disturbances erupted at the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela in front of Sabyasachi Publication’s stall, sparked by the presence of Taslima Nasrin’s book.

“The government has ordered police and the Bangla Academy to investigate into the incident and bring the culprits to book,” reads a statement of Chief Adviser’s Press Wing issued Monday.

“Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has strongly condemned the mob attack in a book stall at Ekushey Book Fair. Police have been ordered to step up security in the book fair and make sure no untoward incidents take place in this very important space,” it said.

The government has also ordered the concerned security agencies to take strong measures to stop any incident of mob violence in the country.

“The attack shows contempt for both the rights of Bangladeshi citizens and for the laws of our country,” it added.

Such violence betrays the open-minded spirit of this great Bangladeshi cultural fixture, which commemorates the language martyrs who lost their lives on 21 February 1952 in defence of their mother tongue, the statement read.

On Monday, a group of individuals protested against the presence of books by exiled writer Taslima Nasrin at the Sabyasachi stall. At the time, writer Shatabdi Vobo faced public outrage.