Controversial Poster Distorting History Removed from Book Fair Amid Criticism

Staff Reporter

Following widespread criticism, the Bangla Academy authorities have removed a poster displayed for the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, accused of distorting historical facts. The poster, which sparked outrage, particularly drew sharp reactions from living freedom fighters whose images were used without proper context.

The poster, bearing the slogan “The Spirit of ’52, The Inspiration of ’24,” was displayed at several locations from TSC to Doel Chattar. It featured a photograph from a rally held at the Central Shaheed Minar on March 15, 1971, misleadingly presented as representing the 1952 Language Movement.

After the book fair’s inauguration on February 1, many pointed out the historical inaccuracy, as the photo depicted an event from 1971, not 1952. Among those featured in the poster, freedom fighter Linu Haq expressed his dismay on social media, stating, “The photo shows me holding a stick on March 15, 1971. I condemn the use of this image. I wasn’t even born in 1952. The slogans of 1952 were about mother language, not independence.”

The poster also faced criticism for its graphic design and slogans, which many argued misrepresented historical events. Linu Haq further commented, “It seems Faruqui tried to please the current authorities while keeping an escape route open for the future. This is opportunistic and disrespectful to history.”

Amid the backlash, Bangla Academy removed the poster. However, the academy claimed it did not create the poster. Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Nazmul Hossain said, “This is not Bangla Academy’s poster but one created for the book fair. It was made by another party and slipped past our notice. We removed it as soon as we became aware.”

A Bangla Academy official, speaking anonymously, added, “Multiple posters were displayed along the route from TSC to Doel Chattar. The Ministry of Culture’s name was on the poster, but it was likely produced by an event management team following instructions.”

The incident has raised questions about historical accuracy and the responsibility of cultural institutions in preserving the integrity of national heritage.