University Press Limited Protests Forcible Closure of Banglabazar Outlet

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

University Press Limited’s Banglabazar outlet was forcibly closed by two unidentified individuals who cited the publisher’s 2012 autobiography of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a banned book, leading to the temporary detention of two employees. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation over censorship and police conduct, prompting calls for impartial investigation and stronger protections for publishing freedom.

University Press Limited (UPL) has condemned the forcible closure of its Banglabazar outlet on Monday, describing the incident as part of ongoing pressures faced under successive governments. Two unidentified individuals locked the outlet, citing UPL’s 2012 publication, the autobiography of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman titled "Oshomapto Attojiboni," as a “banned book.” Following the closure, two UPL employees were taken into custody by police from the Faridabad outpost under the Sutrapur Police Station but were later released on the condition that they cease selling the book.

UPL officials emphasized that the book has neither been officially banned nor reprinted since 2024. The publisher reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining professional standards and upholding academic freedom despite facing commercial challenges. They also called for justice, including an impartial investigation into the incident and measures ensuring the safety of publishers and booksellers.

Law enforcement officials acknowledged the detainment of UPL employees but noted controversy surrounding the conditions of their custody. A senior police officer criticized the way the situation was handled, describing the detention as inappropriate. Meanwhile, legal steps have been initiated, including filing a formal complaint by UPL to pursue accountability.

The incident has drawn condemnation from various members of civil society, publishers, and intellectual groups. Publisher leaders denounced the event as an act of undemocratic intimidation, warning that such actions could jeopardize the freedom to publish and access literature. Civil rights organizations, including Nagorik Samaj and BLAST, stressed the importance of managing banned materials through legal frameworks rather than forceful suppression. They called for an investigation into possible police complicity and emphasized that open discussion and debate remain essential to intellectual freedom.

The Banglabazar outlet remained closed as of Tuesday evening, reflecting broader concerns about censorship and pressures on the publishing sector. Advocates and watchdog groups urged authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of publishers and readers alike.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.