Finance Minister AMA Muhith on Friday suggested publication of a book to give reply to the ‘objectionable parts’ of the book by AK Khandker, saying that banning a book is no solution.
“Without banning the book by AK Khandker, another book will have to be published to give its reply,” said Muhith while opening the ‘Mahnagar Boi Utsab-2014’ in Dhaka.
AK Khandker, the deputy chief of the Mukti Bahini, came under fire in parliament for mentioning in his recently published book , ‘1971: Bhetare Baire’ that independence hero Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman concluded his historic March 7 speech in 1971 by saying ‘Joy Pakistan’.
Speaking as chief guest, Muhith said the present government has taken effective measures to publish creative books.
Stressing the need for organizing the next ‘Amar ekushe book fair’ in a large area, the finance minister said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is very much eager to see the book fair in a large area.
A total of 45 publishers are taking part in the fair that will run until September 19.
Bangla Academy director general Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan chaired the opening session while secretary of cultural affairs ministry Ranjit Kumar Biswas, director general of Public Library Mohammad Hafizur Rahman and president of Bangladesh Gian and Srijonshil Prokashok Samity Osman Gani, among others, spoke.
Ranjit Kumar Biswas said the government has kept a Tk 100 crore block allocation to support creative publications. Besides, the finance ministry has also allocated Tk 25 crore for this sector, he added.
Source: Prothom Alo