No approval needed for publishing books: DMP

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has said no ‘decision or advice’ has been given requiring police approval for manuscripts before publication at the Ekushey Book Fair.

In a press release, the Dhaka city police said it had requested the Bangla Academy to exercise caution in publishing provocative books.

On Jan 31, DMP Commissioner Sheikh Sajjat Ali and Additional Commissioner (Crime and Ops) SN Nazrul Islam visited Suhrawardy Udyan to assess book fair security.

Regarding police’s initiative to avoid problematic situations with the content of books at the fair in the past, Sajjat said: "We have requested the Bangla Academy officials not to publish books at the fair containing provocative words or writings.

“They should scan, vet and present them at the stalls."

 “We have recommended to Bangla Academy that the manuscripts of new books published at the fair be submitted to the academy beforehand,” said Additional Commissioner Nazrul.

Later, several media outlets quoting these two police officers ran reports. On Saturday, DMP issued a notification highlighting its statement after this news.

Cultural Affairs Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki also spoke on the matter, citing the media.

At a function of the National Poetry Council at Dhaka University, he said: “News has been published quoting a police officer that the Bangla Academy or police should be allowed to read the books before their publication.

 “This is unbelievable and ridiculous. This is not within the scope of our government’s policies.

 “Our government firmly supports freedom of expression and opposes censorship of any opinion.”

In this regard, DMP said in their notification: “A press briefing was organised on the security measures taken by DMP on the occasion of the Ekushey Book Fair on Jan 31.

 “In light of a journalist's question, Bangla Academy’s attention was drawn to the verification of books published at the fair.

 “The Bangla Academy is requested to exercise caution in publishing books that destroy communal harmony or are provocative.

 “No advice or decision has been taken or made by the police regarding vetting or approval of the books to be published in the future.

 “Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, we always encourage creative activities like writing.

 “We welcome the environment for the practice and development of free minds.”

DMP has asked all concerned to refrain from “unnecessary” misinterpretations and propaganda in this regard.