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The Dhaka University Prokashana Sangstha, the country's oldest university publishing house, has published only 188 books since its establishment. Some of the books are out of print, and some of those out of print do not even have primary copies. Besides, teachers and authors are not very interested in publishing a book from DU publication house due to its tedious process.
Dhaka University Prokasana Sangstha publishes an average of two or three books annually. Last year, in 2023, only two books were published. Besides, only 188 books are a minimal number for this type of oldest university, as academics say a university can be known through its publications. "University publications play a vital role for a country and a nation," academics added.
Dhaka University Emeritus Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam told The Financial Express that while publications have gained importance in western universities, they have not been essential for universities in this region of the Indian subcontinent.
"Dhaka University also did not get much importance in its publications. But now is the time to think again because the university's publication represents a university and enriches the university. If Dhaka University wants to improve further in the world ranking, then the university should emphasise on its publications," he added.
According to Dhaka University's last Annual Report of 2022-23, the number of published books is listed as 194; however, the actual count is 188. When asked for clarification, Assistant Director of the Marketing Section of DU publication house Parimal Chandra Roy, initially indicated both numbers were accurate. After further review, he confirmed that the correct figure is 188, acknowledging it was an error to report 194 in the annual report.
This writer also found that many books are out of print, and some original copies aren't available in Dhaka University Prakashana Sangstha. When asked about this, Assistant Director of the Printing Section of DU publisher, Hasna Pushpo said, "Some of the original copies aren't available because the sellers might have sold the copies in the previous year while I was not here. Also, I heard that some books were stolen too."
However, if a writer publishes a book from this publishing entity, he or she has to face a long period. It is an arduous process to publish a book. First, the writer must submit the manuscript with an application to the director of DU publisher. After that, DU publisher calls a meeting, then again a meeting of deans or various journal editors or selectors; if the selectors select this copy, the copy is sent to specialists for review. Only if both of them accept the copy then is it permanently selected.
However, if one of the two specialists rejects it, the copy is sent to another third specialist. If this third person selects it, it will be selected, but if he or she rejects it, it will be permanently rejected. However, if two specialists confirm the copy, a final meeting will be held. After that, the copy will be sent to the printing press. After this whole process, a writer can get a published book.
Azizul Haque, acting director of Dhaka University Prokashana Sangstha, acknowledged that it is a problem. He told The Financial Express, "Authors must go through many processes to publish a book. Many meetings are held after which the book is approved, and then there are many other processes after which a book is published."
Sharmin Chowdhury, a teacher, once published a book in 2019 from this publication. She said, "Yes, it's a long process, but I enjoyed it when I published my book from the Dhaka University Prakashana Sangstha because publishing a book from this publication is a different feeling."
Although Dhaka University has its printing press, it is yet to be modernised. The press is mainly used for various journals, souvenirs, leaflets, posters, exam questions, notebooks, etc. So, it is impossible to extract all DU publication books from here.
SM Bipash Anwar, the acting manager of the university printing press, acknowledged their limitations, adding, "For the last 25/30 years, DU Publication has not published a book from here, but they started publishing books last year. We published a book last year."
This writer visited the Dhaka University Prokashana Sangstha Biapanon Centre at TSC and saw books, magazines, souvenirs, etc., from other publications. However, the university's own books are hardly seen there.
"The books published by Dhaka University Prokashana Sangstha are mainly for research and academic texts, so those are not sold as much as other publications," Assistant Director Parimal Chandra mentioned.
When the acting director was asked if any publicity campaign is being conducted to make it accessible to all, Prof Azizul Haque said," Letters are sent to the teachers. All are aware of this publication."
While the aim and objective of the Dhaka University publication house was to encourage the teachers of the University and its affiliated institutions to publish their written books, the question arises: Is this aim and objective being fulfilled?
This writer has analysed the number of published books from Dhaka University Prokashana Sangstha over the last 98 years. From its beginning, 1926 to 1935, the publisher published only two books (English). The first book was published here in 1926 by Michael West. Then, from 1936 to 1945, this publication didn't publish any book in these ten years. From 1946-1955, the number of published books was only one ( in English). In these 30 years, from 1926-1955, DU published only three books, which all were in English.
In the next ten years, from 1956 to 1965, the total number of books published was only 10. Nine of the books were written in English, but it was the first time a Bangla book was published in 1957. The book was written by Dr Muhammad Shahidullah. In the next decade, from 1966 to 1975, the total number of published books was only five. Among them, four were written in English, and again, only one was in Bangla.
In the next ten years, from 1976 to 1985, the total number of published books was 30, including 21 in English and nine in Bangla. From 1986 to 1995, the total number of published books was 47, 30 in English and 17 in Bangla.
From 1996 to 2005, the publication house published 28 books, 18 in English and 10 in Bangla. From 2006-2015, DU published 31 books, 16 in English and 15 in Bangla. In the last seven and half years, from 2016-2024, Dhaka University Prokashana Sangstha has published 32 books -- 17 in English and 15 in Bangla. The number of books written in Bangla is gradually increasing. Only 118 English books and only 70 Bangla books were published from this publisher. From a total of 188 books, at least 38 books are out of print.
"Dhaka University should have a digital archive to conserve these books," Azizul Haque said, adding, "We know we have limitations."
However, Professor Emirates Syed Manzoorul Islam shared his thoughts with The Financial Express. On being asked how to increase the quality of university publications, he highlighted five points: "An adequate budget should be allocated to the publication sector. A specialist editorial team with language, translation or editing expertise will advise on the overall issue. It’s long and complex bureaucratic process should be simplified so that it does not take two years for an author's book to be published, whereas he may need to publish it quickly. Encouraging good authors to publish books and giving them proper remuneration so that they are interested in publishing books from here. Making it accessible to all, like other publications, through its good publicity campaign and linking it up with major libraries in and outside the country."
The newly appointed Dhaka University authorities assured they would focus more on research and publications.