Staff Correspondent

Popular book retailer and publishing house ‘Baatighar’ has stepped into its 21st year, marking the occasion with a vibrant celebration titled ‘Alap, Adda, Abritti O Gaan’ on Tuesday at its flagship store inside the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro building in the capital’s Banglamotor.

The event brought together writers, readers, artists, journalists, and well-wishers, creating a lively gathering that reflected the institution’s growing legacy as a literary and cultural hub.

Speaking at the celebration, noted educationist and founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed said, “The book trade in Bangladesh is now in its second generation, and ‘Baatighar’ is leading the way. They have set a standard by proving that a bookstore can be both attractive and intellectually engaging; witnessing ‘Baatighar’s growth brings me joy.”

Addressing the decline in book sales, Professor Sayeed added, “It’s not about how many read books—what matters is that those who do are the ones capable of moving a nation and society forward.”

Eminent intellectual Badruddin Umar praised ‘Baatighar’ for publishing quality books and urged greater focus on translation to enrich Bangla literature. “It’s a matter that has been long overdue; and if publishers like ‘Baatighar’ emphasize translation, the next generation will benefit tremendously,” he said.

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Adviser Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan said, “To survive 21 years is no small feat for any business. Even though books may not be the most commercially viable product, ‘Baatighar’’s perseverance gives us hope in this country.”

In a welcome message, Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud said, “Like the creative bookstores found in major cities around the world, ‘Baatighar’ has established itself as a leading and innovative publishing house in Bangladesh. I wish ‘Baatighar’ continued success and growing recognition among readers and writers alike.”

Other speakers at the event included Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam, Professor Mansur Musa, writers Anisul Hoque, Mohit Kamal, Badal Syed, Altaf Parvez, Afsana Begum, artist Shaheenur Rahman, July revolutionary Umama Fatema, and journalist-presenter Deepti Chowdhury, among others.

The event began at 5 pm, and the cultural performances continued in between by Warda Ashraf, Dipankar Dey, Gargi Ghosh and others.

Founded in a modest 10x10-foot room in Chattogram’s Cheragi Pahar with minimal capital and enormous love for books, ‘Baatighar’ began its journey on June 17, 2005. As of June 17, 2025, it has completed 20 years and entered its 21st.

Now with six branches across four major cities—Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet and Rajshahi—‘Baatighar’ boasts spacious, elegantly designed bookstores, including outlets in Shahbagh and Banglabazar in the capital.

In 2017, ‘Baatighar’ formally launched as a full-fledged publishing house and has since published over 400 titles, earning acclaim at home and abroad for its high-quality content, precise editing, appealing cover designs, and durable binding. It has also participated in international book fairs and entered into publishing contracts with publishers in Europe and North America.

At the 2025 Amar Ekushey Book Fair, ‘Baatighar’ won the top award in the pavilion category for its aesthetic design and presentation.

To celebrate its 21st year, ‘Baatighar’ plans to host large-scale events in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, turning its bookstores into festive spaces welcoming writers, artists, journalists, and readers from all walks of life. The celebrations will continue through December 2025, including regional book fairs and a variety of book-related events and publications.