Thrust on more space for BD expat writers

Speakers at a literary and cultural conference have sought greater scope for expatriate Bangladeshi poets and writers aiming to ensure publicity of their literary works in the country.
They made the call on Thursday, the opening day of the three-day maiden 'NRB/PBO Literature and Culture Conference 2024' in the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium of the Bangla Academy.
Poet Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, education and cultural affairs adviser to the prime minister, inaugurated the event.
Expatriate Bangladeshis always feel about their country that is reflected in their books, according to him.
PBO is a newly coined abbreviation for 'people of Bangladeshi origin', which is used alongside NBR (non-resident Bangladeshi).
Cultural affairs secretary Khalil Ahmad launched 'www.nspublishers.com', a portal where Bangladeshis abroad would be able to publish their books.
He praised efforts by NRBs (non-resident Bangladeshis) for hosting this conference. "It's a great task undertaken by the NRB."
Some of the books written by Bangladeshi expatriates are now being showcased at the ongoing month-long Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka.
The conference also laid emphasis on addressing hassles being faced by the expatriates during their arrival at the country's airports.
To provide wider scope and cooperation from Bangladeshis, Prof Pabitra Sarkar, former vice-chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, remembered his childhood days in Bangladesh.
He said the Bangladeshi youth must learn about the great contributions of the Bangalees abroad.
Ahmed Hossain, a Canadian citizen of Bangladeshi origin, called for giving further scope to expatriate Bangladeshis so they could get chance to get publicity and inspiration of their literary works.
Senior journalist Rokeya Haider based in the United States remembered language martyrs with respect.
She called upon young Bangladeshis to lead the country forward by nurturing Bangalee culture and heritage.
Prof Sucharita Bandapadhaya of Bangla Department at Calcutta University said this conference would give a platform to the expatriates to publish their poems and other literary works.
ME Chowdhury Shamim, founder and president, Scholars Bangladesh Society, Centre for NRB Foundations, NRB Conference Dhaka, NRB PBO Club Ltd and Ethics Club Bangladesh Society, delivered opening remarks.
Dilara Afroz Khan Rupa, co-founder and chief executive of Scholars Bangladesh Society, offered a vote of thanks.
She declared that their conference would be held in Dhaka every year.
Prof Ziauddin Ahmed of the Temple University of the USA, eminent cultural personality Ramendu Majumder, Bangladeshi-origin Canadian citizen Sayeda Jaigirdar, and expatriates living in the USA Dr Nasrin Sahana, freedom fighter Dr Nurun Nabi and Shams Al Momin, among others, were present.
The conference sought cooperation from the Bangla Academy so that expatriate Bangladeshi poets and writers could get a chance to showcase their books at the Ekushey Book Fair.
At the event, NRB Scholar's Publishers launched two books - Priyo Kabita of poet Shamsur Rahaman and Shomoyer Ghory of Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury.
Caption: Guests holding the copies of two books, Priyo Kabita of poet Shamsur Rahman and Shomoyer Ghory of Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, launched by NRB Scholar's Publishers at the event.

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