Amid the lively atmosphere of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, visitors pause when they reach the Udichi stall on the Bangla Academy premises. Around it, the excitement of new books fills the air. Yet this stall tells a different story – one marked by fire and loss.
Udichi has turned the attack on its organisation into a public display. On 19 December last year, arsonists set fire to its office, destroying 57 years of organisational memories.
At the stall, visitors can see the charred remains of that attack – a burnt harmonium, blackened books, old receipts, musical instruments and a scorched stool. Each item stands as a reminder of the violence faced by the cultural organisation.
The display at the Udichi Shilpigosthi stall is also a form of protest. Placed among the burnt objects is a white bird – a symbol of peace – representing the group’s stance against violence.
Visitor Shafik Sai said the exhibition sends a strong message of protest. “There is courage in bringing the wound to the forefront instead of hiding it,” he said.
Jamshed Anwar Tapan, general secretary of a faction of Udichi, said the display is meant to inform people about the attack and to speak out against violence targeting cultural activities.
Sales staff at the stall said many visitors and readers have expressed solidarity after seeing the display.
The book fair is usually a celebration of reading, culture and joy. Yet the Udichi stall serves as a reminder that cultural expression often faces obstacles and attacks.
Even so, the organisation continues to participate in the festival. In the crowd of the fair, the stall stands out – turning the memory of violence into a quiet but powerful protest that has drawn the attention of many visitors.
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