Banned books that have made a comeback
Several previously banned books challenging political and social norms in Bangladesh have resurfaced, sparking renewed interest and debate
A 2020 report by the American Library Association highlighted the various reasons books are banned in the USA, with political viewpoint being the least common cause, accounting for only 6.5% of bans.
While no comparable statistics are available in Bangladesh, it's well known that most banned books in the country stem from political or religious contexts.
Books are among the most honest forms of expression, serving as a window into diverse thoughts and ideas. Political books, in particular, are often seen as manuscripts of forbidden history in this country.
Over the years, many such books have been banned by ruling governments in Bangladesh, especially those that challenge the status quo or provoke critical thinking.
During the July revolution, several banned books made a powerful comeback on social media, sparking a renewed interest and passion among the youth.
Amar Fashi Chai - Motiur Rahman Rentu
The long-banned book Amar Fashi Chai by Motiur Rahman Rentu resurfaced during the last leg of the student movement when the nine-point demands of the student squeezed into one point - "Step down Hasina".
Motiur Rahman Rentu was a trained freedom fighter; he served in the liberation war while being a ninth grader. The author was a close ally to the Sheikh family and served as an informal consultant to Sheikh Hasina from 1981 (after she returned to the country) to 1997. The author's wife also served as a secretary at Hasina's office for nine years.
However, Rentu, along with his wife, was declared persona non grata by the then PM Hasina in 1997.
Amar Fashi Chai offers a unique glimpse into the inner workings of Hasina's family, recounting a series of incidents that the author personally witnessed. Through the writer's first-hand accounts, the book provides a deeper understanding of Hasina's character, revealing the complexities and vulnerabilities that shaped her.
One particular page that went viral during the protests was where the author talks about Hasina's unsettling obsession with money and death. The writer paints a disturbing picture of how she allegedly manipulates these two elements—wealth and tragedy—to achieve her ambitions.
The book, written in very coarse language, concludes with a surprising twist. The author, reflecting on a series of misguided decisions made in support of Hasina, ultimately expresses a wish for his own death penalty.
Amar Fashi Chai was first published on 26 March, 1999, but shortly after its release, the book was banned, likely due to its controversial content and the bold claims it made. The book is available in PDF formats online.
Ja Dekhechi, Ja Bujhechi, Ja Korechi — Lieutenant Colonel Shariful Haque Dalim
Since July, 'Major Dalim' reels have reigned supreme on Bangladeshi social media, where people lauded him for avenging the dishonour he and his wife faced in the hands of Awami League cadres.
Most people know retired Lt Col Shariful Haque Dalim as one of the assassins of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. What is not widely known is that he was one of the first few Bangali army officers who defected from the Pakistan Army, from Pakistan, to join the Liberation War. Later, he became the centre of the kidnapping controversy.
His book, Ja Dekhechi, Ja Bujhechi, Ja Korechi, was published in 2001, and later banned during the Awami League regime. In this book, he openly shares his life story — describing what motivated him to join the Liberation War, his escape from Pakistan, his experiences during the war, the dramatic way he married his wife Nimmi, his disillusionment with the country's decline between 1972 and 1975, his reasons for plotting to assassinate President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and how he was forced to flee the country after the 3 November coup led by General Khaled Mosharraf and Colonel Shafaat Jamil.
The fascinating aspect of the book lies in how it presents, through smooth and engaging writing, the perspective of a man who felt deeply betrayed by someone he once admired. Despite ultimately being involved in the killing of Sheikh Mujib, Dalim had once respected the leader. The book illustrates how his admiration turned into intense hatred, painting a vivid portrayal of that transformation.
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The book provides insights on some of the principal characters from the early days of Bangladesh. But the book should be taken with a pinch of salt — you cannot be too sure about the authenticity of a man who committed treason against a country he himself bled to create.
The book is available on the Rokomari website.
Bangalir Mediocrityr Shondhane - Faham Abdus Salam
"Bangalir Mediocrityr Shondhane" (2022) by Faham Abdus Salam is one of the three controversial books published by Adarsha, which led to the banning of the esteemed publisher's stall in 2023 Ekushey Book Fair, stirring widespread uproar and debate.
The book received special attention as Bangla Academy had specifically flagged it as 'vulgar'. The book is fundamentally a compilation of philosophical arguments, often expressed through politically charged rhetoric.
Faham Abdus Salam is known for his sharp wit and humour in critiquing the country's socioeconomic and political issues, often sparking controversy on social media. His essays explore the nature, language, revolution, politics, and character of the Bangali people.
Although it contains 14 essays, the core ideas can be distilled into just two or three. The first idea or argument centres around the Bangali revolution—more specifically, how the Bangali concept of revolution, or what they consider revolution, is problematic or mediocre, according to the writer.
The second idea focuses on the Bangla language, where Faham presents a hypothesis questioning whether the structure of the language plays a role in Bangali mediocrity.
The book offers plenty of thought-provoking insights. Even if you disagree with Faham's views or dismiss the entire book, it still has the potential to spark reflection. While you may not uncover any hidden gems, it will still make you think.
The book is currently available on Rokomari, if you want to read it.
Beshi Dame Kina Kom Dame Becha Amader Swadhinota - Abul Mansur Ahmed
Abul Mansur Ahmed was a Bangladeshi politician and journalist. He is also known as one of the most famous political satirists in Bangla literature.
Beshi Dame Kina Kom Dame Becha Amader Swadhinota contains 42 essays, among which, 39 were published in 1972-73 in the country's most widely circulated newspaper at the time, Daily Ittefaq.
The title of the book Beshi Dame Kina Kom Dame Becha Amader Swadhinota (Freedom Bought at a High Price, Sold at a Low Price) is self-explanatory in terms of the book's context.
Within a year or so after Bangladesh gained independence, the writer sensed that the country's hard-won freedom, for which millions had sacrificed their lives, was being "sold" to India and handed over to capitalism.
The writer struggled to accept the pro-dominance policies and anti-independence actions of the first Awami League government. Despite being a prominent leader within the party, he resisted these actions to safeguard the nation's independence. His tone in the book is direct and unapologetic, rather than neutral.
The central theme of the book was to reveal how, under the Awami League government, Bangladesh's interests were being sold out and the country was being used as a pawn to Indian interests.
Abul Mansur Ahmed viewed the society, politics, and people of East Bengal (now Bangladesh) with a curious eye. Even in contemporary society and politics, Abul Mansur Ahmed's writings seem highly relevant and significant. This is why the book keeps resurfacing frequently.
The book was never really officially banned, but it was not further printed after the original publication and remained off the shelves. It is listed in Rokomari but the purchase option says "request for print".
Shadique Mahbub Islam also contributed to this article.
More books making a comeback
Revolution Military personnel And The War of Liberation in Bangladesh
by Dr. Cornel Oli Ahmod Birabikrama
Ami Major Dalim Bolchi
by Lieutenant Colonel Shariful Haque Dalim
Swadhinota Uttor Bangladesh
by Pinaki Bhattacharya
Unnoyon Bibhram
by Zia Hasan
Oprodhirodhya Unnoyoner Obhabonio Kothamala
by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb
