Bangladesh Book Fair Faces Scrutiny Over Open Sale Of Al Qaeda, IS Literature

Dhaka Stream reported that Bangladesh openly sells books by Al Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) leaders and ideologues.

The report said the books, which advocate violence against civilians and destabilising governments, are available at shops, online bookstores and the ongoing government-run Islamic Foundation book fair.

Reporters found works by Al Qaeda ideologues Abdullah Yusuf Azzam and Osama bin Laden, alongside books linked to Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, Ansar al-Islam and IS.

At least 10 publishers were reportedly selling the books at stalls at the Islamic Foundation’s month-long fair, which began on September 12 at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.

The books are reportedly available at stationery shops in Banglabazar and through online retailers including Rokomari, Baatighar, Wafilife, Kitabghar, Ruhamashop, Halalponno, Nafiun, Khidmashop, Mamunbooks and Boitoi.

Some platforms have promoted the publications through social media advertisements, the report said.

According to Dhaka Stream, some books encourage attacks on public infrastructure and government institutions, while others justify civilian deaths and attempts to destabilise governments.

Nazrul Islam Talukdar, former member secretary and current executive committee member of the Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Ulama Dal, told the website that selling such books was unacceptable.

He said such publications could negatively affect society, the state and the country, adding that such dissemination could not be supported.

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