Sabrina Shuvra’s book ‘Mahajibner Upakhyan’ unveiled at Bangla Academy

Mahajibner Upakhyan, a new book from journalist and political analyst Sabrina Shuvra, was unveiled at the Shamsur Rahman Auditorium of Bangla Academy on Tuesday afternoon.

Publishing house Dashamik organised the event at 3pm, where State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid attended as the chief guest.

Gopalganj-1 MP Selimuzzaman Selim, Gopalganj-2 MP Dr KM Babar, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Rezauddin Stalin, advisory editor of Dainik Shomor Alo Shairul Kabir Khan, journalist and novelist Ehsan Mahmud, and journalist and presenter Farabi Hafiz joined the programme as special guests. The event was presided over by Dipanta Raihan, publisher of Dashamik.

Speaking as the chief guest, Shama Obaid said that Mahajibner Upakhyan is the ninth book by Sabrina Shuvra and that the work explores the life, struggle and political philosophy of late BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia.

She said the book would inspire readers to think about politics and leadership from a new perspective.

“I am not here as a minister, but as an elder sister of the author.”

“Sabrina Shuvra is inspiring the women of the country through her talent and writing. I hope many more young women will come forward in the fields of writing and journalism after seeing her,” she added.

She also said Begum Khaleda Zia had faced the greatest persecution during the struggle to restore democracy over the past 17 years. Despite numerous challenges, she continued to fight for democracy and the people of the country, she added.

Gopalganj-1 MP Selimuzzaman Selim said the author had analytically presented various aspects of Khaleda Zia’s political life, leadership, struggle and personal journey in the book, which reveals an important chapter of Bangladesh’s political history to readers.

Gopalganj-2 MP Dr KM Babar said the book stands apart from conventional works because it is written by a journalist, literary writer and political analyst about Begum Khaleda Zia, whom he described as an uncompromising leader of democracy.

He urged readers to read the book to understand different dimensions of the former prime minister’s political life.

Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Rezauddin Stalin said that whenever fascism had emerged in the country, the people had resisted it.

“The uncompromising stance that Begum Khaleda Zia has shown in confronting fascism will remain unforgettable,” he said.

At the event, Sabrina Shuvra said she had dedicated the book to the memory of all the martyrs of the July 24 mass uprising.

“The sacrifice of the martyrs gave birth to a new Bangladesh. I have dedicated my book to honour their memory and to keep their courage as an inspiration for future generations,” she said.

She added that the book presents various aspects of Khaleda Zia’s life, social thought and self-exploration in a literary manner, reflecting different perspectives on life and leadership.

Journalist and writer Abdul Wadud, writer and researcher Asad Parvez, and leaders and activists of various organisations, along with journalists, literary figures and other distinguished guests, also attended the programme.

Sabrina Shuvra is known as a writer, journalist and political analyst. She completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Dhaka University. She currently serves as an advisory editor of the daily Janakantha.

Her notable books include Neel Dhruvatara, Shankhachuda, Shomo Pratichavi, Margin of the Heart and Banglar Agnikanyara: 1905–2024. She is widely recognised for her analytical writings on social, political and humanitarian issues.