The Sommilito Sangskritik Parishad UK is essentially a collective form of various literary and cultural organisations in the UK. The organisation was born to create unity and bridges among Bangali literature and cultural activities, and to accelerate the promotion and dissemination of Bengali literature and culture in this multi-national society. To achieve this goal, the first steering committee was formed in 2009 under the leadership of Golam Mustafa, with the cooperation of poet and writer Delu Naser, and poet Mashuk Ibn Anis. The committee was established with Golam Mustafa as the convenor, Mashuk Ibn Anis as joint-convenor, and Delu Naser as the secretary. Later, a committee composed of members of organisations like Udichi, Shanghati Sahitya Parishad (Shanghati Literary Society), Mahua Arts, and Maulik Arts, among others, named the organisation “Sommilito Sangskritik Parishad UK.” In due course, organisations such as Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, Kobita Parishad, Sitar Fusion, Tanpura, Shabdopath, Tritiyo Dhara, Muladhara, and Imohark joined the organisation.

The executive committee was formed with Golam Mustafa as president, and other officials including Ishaque Kajol, Mashuk Ibn Anis, Faruk Ahmed Rony, Delowar Hossain Monju, and Hasan Hafizur Rahman as vice presidents. The general secretary was Delu Naser, while the assistant general secretary was Sarwar-i-Alam, and the treasurer was Iqbal Hossain Bulbul. The organising secretary was Prosenjit Dutta, and the press secretary was Mostak Babul. Other members included Mujib Eram, Shamim Sahan, Yasmin Sultana Polin, Dr. Supriyo Roy, Zahid Mia, Shamsur Rahman, Sadia Afroz Chowdhury, and Dr. Mukid Chowdhury, among others. The advisory board included Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, Nurul Islam, Dr. Mukhlesur Rahman, Nazim Chowdhury, Faruque Ahmed, Shamsul Haque, and Shah Enamul Haque.

First Bangla Academy Book Fair, Literary & Cultural Festival 2010

Right after its formation, in July 2010, the “Bangla Academy Book Fair” was organised for three days (11th, 12th, and 13th) at the Brady Arts & Community Centre, 192-196, Hanbury St, London E1 5HU. This festival featured events such as recitations of self-composed poetry, readings, singing,essays, and various performances. The event was sponsored by literary and cultural figures across the UK, and the event was inaugurated by Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, a prominent writer, journalist, and columnist. The Director-General of Bangla Academy, Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, also came from Bangladesh to participate in the event.

The first time the Bangla Academy Book Fair took place in the UK, the event’s opening speech was delivered by the renowned author and journalist, Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury. Also, “Ittadi Grantha Prokash,” a publication house from Dhaka, participated in the fair that year. Since then, the Sommilito Sangskritik Parishad UK has hosted the “Bangla Academy Book Fair” annually in London.

Second Bangla Academy Book Fair & Cultural Festival 2011

2011, the festival was held on 7, 8, and 9 July. The festival introduced the groundbreaking “Bangla Academy Provashi Sahitya Puroshkar” (Bangla Academy Expatriate Writers Award). On this occasion, the chief guest of the Inauguration Session was Dr. Dipu Moni, Honourable Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, guest of Honour – Dr. Saydur Rahman Khan, The High Commissioner of Bangladesh in the UK, Mr. Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor, Tower Hamlets Council, the Director-General of the Bangla

Academy, Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, Professor William Radice famous translator of Michael and Rabindranath’s works, writer and columnist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury. On the last day, Bangladesh’s honorable Foreign Minister Dr. Dipu Moni and the honorable Finance Minister of Bangladesh, Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, attended the event. Poet and writer Quader Mahmud was announced as the recipient of the “Bangla Academy Provashi Sahitya Puroshkar” (Bangla Academy Expatriate Writers Award) that year.

The festival was held every year in London, with many distinguished writers and cultural activists from Bangladesh participating. The event continued every year, with literary and cultural activities, including awarding the “Bangla Academy Provashi Sahitya Puroshkar” (Bangla Academy Expatriate Writer Award) to individuals for their contribution to literature.

Third Bangla Academy Book Fair & Cultural Festival 2012

In 2012, the Book Fair and Cultural Festival was held on July 7, 8 and 9 at the Brady Arts & Community Centre, in East London, and on July 10 at the Whatchapel Idea Store library. On this occasion, the chief guest of Inaguration Session Mr. Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor, Tower Hamlets Council London, Guest of Honour the Director-General of the Bangla Academy, Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, Dr. Sayedur Rahman Khan, The High Commissioner of Bangladesh in the UK, famous translator of Michael and Rabindranath’s works, Professor William Radice, writer-columnist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury and writer Nurul Islam.

That year, the ‘Bangla Academy Expatriate Literary Award’ in poetry and fiction was given to Masud Ahmed and Saleha Chowdhury.

Forth Bangla Academy Book Fair & Cultural Festival 2013

The 2013 Book Fair was held on June 15th and 16th at the Brady Arts & Community Centre, in East London, with the closing ceremony on June 20th at the Idea Store on Whitechapel Road. The fair was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Culture of Bangladesh, Abul Kalam Azad. To attend the fair, and the guest of honour Mohammed Mijarul Quayes, His Excellency, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in the UK, the Director-General of the Bangla Academy, Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, Secretary of Education of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and poet Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, and one of the directors of the Bangla Academy, Shahida Khatun, came from Bangladesh and writer-journalist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury from London was the guest of honour. That year, three European writers were awarded the ‘Bangla Academy Expatriate Writer Award’ for their research work in their respective fields. These included London-based writer-journalists Ishaqe Kajol and Historian Faruque Ahmed, as well as German-based writer Dr. Mohammad Zakariya, for his science research.

In 2013, the term “expatriate” in the ‘Bangla Academy Expatriate Writer Award’ raised questions from some writers. They argued that the term “expatriate” was used to distinguish writers living abroad, which they felt was unnecessary. As a result, in 2014, the name of the award was changed to ‘Bangla Academy Syed Waliullah Award.’

Fifth Bangla Academy Book Fair & Cultural Festival 2014

Change in the Name of the Award

In 2014, some writers raised objections regarding the term “expatriate” in the “Bangla Academy Expatriate Writer Award” because they believed that it unfairly distinguished writers living abroad. As a result, the award was renamed the “Bangla Academy Syed Waliullah Award.”

The festival continued to grow, with significant participation from various writers and organisations. However, due to some organisational mismanagement and lack of coordination from some members, challenges started arising in terms of government support for the event in the later years. That year, the Book Fair and Cultural Festival were held from December 5-7 at The Art Pavilion on Grove Road, East London. The inauguration was done by the Honorable Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Asaduzzaman Noor. The special guests included the Director General of the Bangla Academy, Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, and journalist-columnist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury. The following publishers from Dhaka participated: Agamee Prakashani, Anno Prokash, Mowla Brothers, Panjeree, and Ahmed Publishers. Music performance was provided by Tapan Chowdhury.

On December 7, 2014, the names of the recipients of the Bangla Academy Syed Waliullah Award were announced by the Director General of the Bangla Academy, Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan. The awardees were Syed Iqbal and Iqbal Hasan, both based in Canada.

Sixth Bangla Academy Book Fair & Cultural Festival 2015

In 2015, Bangla Academy Book Fair and Literary and Cultural Festival was held at the Amanah Centre, Commercial Street, East London E1, from October 15-17. The three-day event was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Asaduzzaman Noor, and the special guest was the Director General of the Bangla Academy, Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan, guest of honour His Excellency Mohammed Abdul Hannan, The High Commissioner of Bangladesh in the UK, Mr. John Biggs, The Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets Council, London, and writer-columnist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury.

That year, the Syed Waliullah Award was given to French writer and Professor Emeritus, French Bhattacharya, and fiction writer Manju Islam (Syed Manjurul Islam).

Seventh Bangla Academy Book Fair & Cultural Festival 2016

Change in the Name of the Book Fair

From ‘Bangla Academy Book Fair’ to ‘Bangladesh Book Fair, Literature and Cultural Festival’

In 2016, the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh renamed the ‘Bangla Academy Book Fair’ to ‘Bangladesh Book Fair, Literature and Cultural Festival’ to promote Bengali literature and culture worldwide. As a result, under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh, the fair was organised by the ‘Sammilito Sanskritik Parishad UK,’ Bangla Academy, Dhaka, and Jatiya Grantha Kendro (National Book Center), Dhaka, with the cooperation of the ” Bangladesh Gyan O Srijonshil Prokashak Samiti (BGSPS) (‘Knowledge and Creative Publishing Association),’ Dhaka.

The fair saw participation from Bangla Academy, National Book Center, Anno Prokash, Mowla Brothers, Agamee Prakashani, Ahmed Publishing House, Panjeree Publications, Kathaprkash, and

other book publishers from Dhaka. There was also a separate stall showcasing books by authors from the UK.

The fair was inaugurated by the Honorable Prime Minister’s Special Assistant, poet Mahbubul Alam Shakil. The special guests included the Director of the National Book Center, M. Akhtaruzzaman, the President of the ” Bangladesh Gyan O Srijonshil Prokashak Samiti (BGSPS) (Knowledge and Creative Publishing Association)” and the owner of Agamee Prakashani, Osman Gani, among others. On the second day, the Chief Guest was the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh in the UK, Khondker M. Talha. That year, the Syed Waliullah Award was presented to poets Shamim Azad and Nazmun Nessa Prairie.

Eighth eventh Bangladesh Book Fair, Literature and Cultural Festival 2017

Government Sponsorship Withdrawn in 2017

By 2017, the Bangladesh Ministry of Culture withdrew its sponsorship of the fair. Several issues arose due to the mismanagement of the organisation, which led to dissatisfaction from several members, and the organisation had to go through a process of re-election. Faruque Ahmed was elected president, Ikbal Hossain Bulbul became the General Secretary, A. K. M. Abdullah became Treasurer and others were appointed to executive roles.

That year, the Bangla Academy Syed Waliullah Award was presented to poets Mujib Irom and Masud Khan.

Nineth Bangladesh Book Fair, Literature and Cultural Festival 2018

In 2018, the Bangladesh Book Fair, Literary and Cultural Festival was held successfully on 23^rd and 24th September, even without government backing. The book fair that year was noted as one of the most vibrant and successful fairs ever. That year, the fair saw participation from Agamee Prakashani, Ittadi Grantha Prokash, Nalanda, Uthsa Prokashan, Anannya Prokashani, Pranth Prokashani, Raman Prokashani, Shobdoshoily, Anindya Prokash, The University Academy, Parijat Prakashani , Basia Prokashani, Jagriti Prokashani , Anarjo Prokashani, and several other publishing houses.

That year too, a few individuals who were accused of mismanagement tried to create confusion. However, despite this, we succeeded in involving the entire Bengali community in the UK. About 19 publishers from Bangladesh participated in the fair. Artists and writers from Bangladesh and other countries also attended. That year, the ‘Tasadduq Ahmad Award’ was presented in honour of the renowned journalist, social worker, organizer, and politician Tasadduq Ahmad, and the ‘Abdul Matin Literary Award’ was given in the name of the prominent writer and journalist, Abdul Matin, who wrote the first book about the role of the Bengali community in the UK during the Liberation War. For this, we formed a sub-committee and a panel of judges consisting of senior writers and literary figures. Based on their scrutiny and evaluation, that year, the award in literature was given to Robbani Chowdhury, and Bishwajit Saha, founder of the New York branch of Muktadhara in 1990 as a book operating as a bookstore dedicated to the promotion of Bengali Literature and Culture in the USA.

The chief guest from Bangladesh was poet Asad Mannan. Despite the challenges in the following years, the festival continued with the help of the Bangladeshi community in the UK.

In short, the 2018 Book Fair was held with the overall cooperation of the Bengali community in the UK.

That year, the Syed Waliullah Award was presented to poets Salma Bani and Shagufta Sharmin Taniae.

Tenth Bangladesh Book Fair, Literature and Cultural Festival 2019

Change in the Name of the Organisation

In 2019, book fair, literature, and cultural festival faced numerous challenges as self-serving individuals had already been active in trying to hinder the event. In order to prevent the new committee from organising the fair smoothly, they registered a company under the name ” Sommilito Sahitya Parishad Ltd., and created obstacles in conducting any activities under this name.

As a result, the name of the organisation had to be changed to “Sommilito Sahitya O Sangskritik Parishad Juktorajya” by adding the word “Literature” to its original title. That year, again, the same group created various obstacles and tried to spread misinformation regarding the festival. However, despite all the obstacles, the book fair was successfully held on the 8th and 9th of September 2019 at the Brady Arts and Community Centre in East London.

The chief guest from Bangladesh at the fair was the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture, K. M. Khalid MP. The special guests included Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to the UK, MS Muna Tasnim, renowned journalist-columnist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, the Chair of the Department of Bengali at Dhaka University, Bishwadeb Chowdhury, writer Dr. Shahaduz Zaman, and the President of the Bangladesh Book Publishing and Sales Association, Dhaka, Osman Gani. Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury was supposed to inaugurate the fair, but due to illness, the inauguration was conducted by the High Commissioner. Later, Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury’s video message marked the start of the session.

The first day’s program included the inauguration, discussions, poetry recitations, and cultural performances. The second day’s programmme consisted of three seminars in three parts. The first session was on ‘Expatriate Literature: A Review,’ with the main paper presented by poet and writer Hamid Mohammad, followed by discussions with Bishmadeb Chowdhury and Shahaduzaman. The second session focused on ‘Government Efforts in the Development of Bengali Literature and Culture and Our Expectations,’ with the paper presented by Dr. Sheikh Muslima Moon, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Bangladesh. The third session was a discussion on the relationship between authors and publishers.

Several publishers from Bangladesh participated in the fair, including Bangla Academy, Agami Publication, Ittadi Grantha Prakash, Onayna Publication, Panjeri Publication, Shikha Publication, Ahmad Publishing House, Anindyo Publication, Puthiniloy, Nawruz Kitabstan, Anarjo Publications, The Universal Academy, Shabdoshoily, Ahmad Publishing House, Adorsho, Bhashachitra, Genius Publications, Charulipi, Nalanda, Bhasha Publication, and Pandulipi Publications.

The event received overall support from the Ministry of Culture, Bangladesh Book Publishing and Sales Association, Dhaka. The 2019 book fair was dedicated to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In conclusion, the book fairs and cultural festivals held in 2018 and 2019 were the most successful since the organisation’s inception. In 2019, a new executive committee for the year 2019-2020 was formed with Faruque Ahmed as President, Ikbal Hossain Bulbul as General Secretary, and A. K. M. Abdullah as Treasurer of ‘SSSPJ’.

In 2020, preparations were made for the book fair and cultural events. However, due to COVID- 19, the fair had to be canceled. Since then, due to the pandemic and government restrictions, there were no activities other than a few executive committee meetings.

That year, the Syed Waliullah Award was presented to Hasan Ferdous. Eleventh Bangladesh Book Fair, Literature and Cultural Festival 2022. In 2022, a new committee was formed through a biennial conference. The President, General Secretary, and Treasurer were elected as follows: Moynur Rahman Babul, A. K. M. Abdullah, and Anwar Shahjahan. According to the rules, the officers organised the 10th Bangladesh Book Fair Literary and Cultural Festival on September 4th and 5th at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park, East London. The chief guest at the opening ceremony was Mr. Gawher Rizvi, the Advisor on International Affairs to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, and the special guests included Mrs. Saida Muna Tasneem, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh in the UK, Syed Toharaf Ali, a freedom fighter and former Executive Editor of the Daily Ittefaq, Dr. Shahaduz Zaman, and others. Due to health reasons, Nobel Laureate economist Professor Amartya Sen sent a video message wishing success for the event. The entire event was dedicated to the memory of the late journalist-columnist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury. That year, the ‘The Sommilito Sahitya Parishad Juktorajya Award (‘Combined Literary and Cultural Council Award’) was introduced for the first time, and the award was given to poet Nuruzzaman Moni. Fifteen publishing houses, including the Bangla Academy, participated in the fair.

On this occasion, the literary compilation ‘Tritiyo Bangla’ was published with the support of the organisation and Anarjo Publications. That year, the Bangla Academy Syed Waliullah Award was presented to Jasim Mullick and Caroline Wright.

Twelfth Bangladesh Book Fair, Literature and Cultural Festival 2023

In 2023, the 11th Bangladesh Book Fair Literary and Cultural Festival was held once again at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park on September 10th and 11th. The fair was inaugurated by renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, a recipient of the Independence Award, at 2:30 PM. The special guests included freedom fighter, scientist, and Ekushey Award-winning writer Dr. Nurunnabi from the USA, Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Hazrat Ali Khan, scientist Dr. Jinat Nabi, Channel-I journalist Faridur Rahman, Syed Samadul Haque, the founder of Bangla TV, and others. On the occasion of this festival, 21 new books were published. On the book fair stage, 19 new books, 2 little magazines, and the magazine ‘Tritiyo Bangla’ were unveiled. Other activities included seminars, discussions, performances by children and teenagers, dance, poetry recitations, self-composed poems, and a special musical performance by the Apasen Learners Cultural Group under the direction of singer Gauri Chowdhury (on music performance for learning disabilities). Poet Milton Rahman presented the paper on “Recent Trends in the Practice of Bengali Literature Abroad” in a seminar. Poet Ikbal Hossain Bulbul chaired the event, and the discussion included Saleha Chowdhury, Bulbul Hasan, and Sagufta Sharmin Tania. Farah Naz moderated the session. The paper on “The Role of Women from the UK in the Liberation War” was presented by historian Faruque Ahmed. The session was chaired by author Suzat Mansur, with Dr. Jinat Nabi, Nilafa Yasmin Hasan and Sejuty Mansur, and others participating in the discussion. Cultural worker Amina Ali moderated the session.

Publishers from Bangladesh participating in the fair included the Bangla Academy, The University Press Limited, Sahitya Prokash, Somoy Prokashani, Ittadi Grantha Prokash, Anya Prokashani, Anarjo Publications, Basia Prokashani, Sarobritto Prokashon, Charulipi Prokashani, Rupokatha Prokashani, Paribar Publications, Shobdoshoily, Abhra Prokashani, and several UK-based publishers.

On the last day of the two-day fair, publishers from Bangladesh such as Farid Ahmed (Somoy Prokashon), Monirul Haque (Onannya), Aditya Antor (Ittadi Grantha Prokash), Shofiq Rahman (Anarjo), Rohmat Ullah (Sarobritto Prokashon), Iftekhar Amin (Shobdoshoily), Shohanur Rahim Shaon (Paribar Publications), Sajal Ahmed (Kobi Prokashani), and others were presented with honourary crest awards by the organisation. That year, the SSSP Literary and Cultural Council Award was presented to poet, journalist, writer Hamid Mohammad.

Thirteenth Bangladesh Book Fair, Literature and Cultural Festival 2024

In 2024, the 12th Bangladesh Book Fair Literary and Cultural Festival 2024 was held on September 14th and 15th at The Art Pavilion in Mile End Park, East London. Due to political instability in Bangladesh that year, many publishers could not attend as they were unable to obtain visas, so they sent their books instead. However, due to an earlier visa, Sajal Ahmed of Kobi Prokashani was present. Ten new books were published at this book fair. Rejwana Chowdhury Bannya was present as a guest. Faruk Ahmed Roni was awarded the ” Sommilito Sahitya O Sangskritik Parishad Juktorajya Award” for his contributions.

That year, SSSP Literary and Cultural Council Award was presented to poet Faruk Ahmed Roni and, the Syed Waliullah Award was presented to Barnali Saha and Hans Harder.

In 2024, the executive committee for 2025-2026 was formed with Mohammed Iqbal as President, Uday Shankar Durjay as General Secretary, and Hena Begum as Treasurer of ‘SSSPJ’.