Dhaka: University Press Limited (UPL) today launched a month-long book fair marking the golden jubilee of the renowned publishing house. The fair was inaugurated this afternoon at UPL's main office in Farmgate, where scholars, writers, and members of the academic community gathered.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the fair, which begins today, will run until December 31, offering readers discounts ranging from 30 to 70 percent on a wide selection of titles. The exhibition will be open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm daily across UPL's three outlets in Farmgate, Khulna, and Jamalkhan in Chattogram. Additionally, buyers can enjoy the same discounts through UPL's online platform.
Professor Taiabur Rahman, Dean of Social Sciences Faculty of Dhaka University, praised UPL on its golden jubilee for serving as an 'Ambassador of Bangladeshi publications'. He highlighted UPL's contributions to research-oriented publishing, particularly in the social sciences, and acknowledged its support for university-level teaching. He also suggested that UPL partner with international publishers to legally distribute the works of Bangladeshi academics and consider translating English texts to expand readership.
Prof Emeritus of the University of Bath, Dr. Geof Wood, commended UPL founder Mohiuddin Ahmed for his vision as a public intellectual and publisher. Dr. Wood noted Ahmed's ability to identify emerging ideas, nurture writers, and support both academic and community-focused work. He recalled how the founder created networks, edited complex manuscripts, mentored young researchers, and encouraged innovative projects. Dr. Wood referred to UPL as a workshop for producing public intellectuals and expressed hopes for the institution's continued success.
Prof Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of University of Asia Pacific, applauded UPL for developing an academic publishing environment comparable to major global presses like Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press. He urged UPL to explore journal publishing, strengthen digital platforms for academic engagement, and collaborate with universities to promote student reading circles. "Such initiatives would further enhance UPL's role in supporting higher education and research," he stated.
Prof Firdous Azim, Chairperson of the Department of English and Humanities at BRAC University, reflected on UPL's 50-year journey, noting its strong output in both English and Bangla, including translations, since its inception under Mohiuddin Ahmed's leadership.