A new online platform, FebruaryBD.com, has been launched to nurture progressive thinking among young readers by providing access to local and international books, cultural insights, and a space for creative expression.
Coinciding with the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the platform also inaugurated a month-long online book fair to enhance accessibility to literature.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Saturday (1 February) at Meera Prangan in Green Road, where author and editor of Khabarer Kagoj, Mostofa Kamal, formally launched the initiative.
He was accompanied by Robin Ahsan, director of Boi Bari; Subhra Rani Kar, chairperson of Meera Events; and Shakil Ahmed, executive director of EcoStructive.
In his speech as the chief guest, Mostofa Kamal, remarked, “We all long for a return to democracy, but the turbulent road ahead raises concerns about whether we can successfully navigate it. At such a critical juncture, Robin Ahsan has taken the courageous step of promoting books on the Liberation War and its proponents. Under the previous regime, young readers were burdened with books inappropriate for their age and understanding, diverting them from the spirit of the Liberation War. Now, our duty is to guide them back to that consciousness. This platform will undoubtedly play a crucial role in achieving that.”
Speaking on the initiative, Robin Ahsan described FebruaryBD as an extension of Boi Bari's mission to promote reading.
“Today’s youth spend most of their time online. Failing to bring Bangladesh’s history, heritage, and Liberation War consciousness to them in the digital space would be a major failure on our part. Many were introduced to The Unfinished Memoirs of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and similar books without sufficient historical context, making them seem like an obligation rather than an enlightening read. As a result, they distanced themselves from the spirit of the Liberation War. Our goal is to encourage them to read books on this subject and engage in discourse with like-minded individuals, fostering intellectual and creative growth. The February BD platform will also feature content on its Facebook page and YouTube channel, amplifying the voices and perspectives of those who uphold the Liberation War’s ideals.”