NY book fair condemns Avijit killing

An Ekushey book fair in New York on Saturday condemned the brutal killing of writer and blogger Avijit Roy.

At a protest meeting on the fair ground, the speakers sought involvement of the US detective branch in the investigation.

Noted writer Anisul Haque was the chief guest at the meeting presided over by journalist Syed Mohammad Ullah.

"Only the light of education can resist terrorism and darkness. That's why we need to read a lot of books," said Anisul Haque.

Abdul Momen, Bangladesh permanent representative to the United Nations, said containing terrorism is an absolute emergency. "Otherwise, we will lose more Avijits," he said.

Syed Mohammad Ullah said, "The same organized ring that attacked Professor Humayun Azad has killed Avijit." He called for concerted efforts to resist these terrorists.

The 11th day of the fair, arranged by Muktadhara Foundation, was dedicated to Avijit Roy. All the festivities of the event were cancelled in protest at the brutal murder while the writer was remembered in poems and discussions.

Among others, Abdul Momen, Hasan Ferdous, Nini Wahed, Saud Choudhry, Ahmed Musa and Lutfun Nahar Lata also spoke.

As many as 20 poets from different US states recited their poems at the programme that also featured a face-to-face session between Haque and Hasan Ferdous where they discussed contemporary Bangladesh issues.

Later, the participants signed on a condolence book dedicated to Avijit Roy's memory.