Should the Boi Mela vie for UNESCO recognition?

In an era where e-books like Kindle and online bookshops are nudging Gen Z and Millennials toward individualism, Amar Ekushey Boimela still holds the charm of flipping through physical pages and breathing in the earthy scent of printed books. 

Every February, the nation is drawn into a poignant reflection on the sacrifices of the 1952 Language Movement, a struggle that sowed the seeds for the 1971 Liberation War, standing tall against the socio-cultural oppression of the Pakistani regime.

As the biting winter fades, making way for blooming flowers, love, and the promise of Spring, this year's book fair emerges as a beacon of cultural revival amid state reformation. Just like the other years, a recurring question among writers and booksellers was: Selfie or book—what's the real draw of boi mela?

Recent trends suggest that visitors are often more captivated by the vibrant atmosphere than by purchasing books. This shift is partly due to the poor quality and high prices of many books available at the fair.

This year's theme, "Change the country, change the world," resonated deeply, capturing the collective yearning for transformation. Rooted in the blood-soaked narratives of our history— from the Language Movement to the 2024 July uprising— the Boimela honoured the fearless youth who laid down their lives to resist oppression and reimagine a just, inclusive Bangladesh.

Amar Ekushey Boimela is far more than a book fair; it's a vibrant celebration of Bengali multiculturalism, traditional arts, and cultural expression. It's a living testament to the Bangladeshi identity. It's a social melting pot where generations converge.

Is boimela eligible for Intangible Cultural Heritage recognition?

Undoubtedly, the Amar Ekushey Boimela stands as a dynamic manifestation of the Bangalee spirit, where the rhythms of language and literature whirl through the air, echoing the diverse linguistic expressions of a resilient nation. 

This cultural phenomenon aligns seamlessly with UNESCO's criteria for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), as outlined in the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. 

To fully grasp its significance, one might turn to Marxist theorist Antonio Gramsci's concept of Cultural Hegemony (1972) and historian Jan Assmann's Cultural Memory Theory (1992). These frameworks help illuminate how a student-led, folklorist protest— rooted in the preservation of language— awakened a collective nationalism that ultimately shaped the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

In a world where 40% of the global population is denied education in their mother tongue (UNESCO, 2024), the Amar Ekushey Boimela stands as a proud testament to the linguistic legacy of the 1952 Language Movement. It honours the martyrs who resisted 224 years of socio-cultural colonialism under British and Pakistani rule. Their sacrifice, steeped in cultural consciousness and bravery, not only birthed a nation but also led UNESCO to declare 21 February as International Mother Language Day in 1999. 

Today, the Boimela itself emerges as a compelling contender for UNESCO's ICH accreditation, embodying the living memory of a people's struggle for identity and self-expression.

So far, UNESCO has recognised five of Bangladesh's cultural treasures as ICH elements: rickshaws and rickshaw painting (2023), the traditional art of Shital Pati weaving (2017), Jamdani weaving (2013), Mangal Shobhajatra (2016), and Baul songs (2008). 

How can boimela achieve global excellence?
Integrating cutting-edge technologies into Bangladesh's traditional literary market could revolutionise the Amar Ekushey Boimela, transforming it into a global hub for literary tourism. 

This fusion of innovation and tradition would mark a groundbreaking milestone in the country's literary landscape, elevating the Boimela to new heights. By fostering regional and international collaborations for the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, organisations like ICHCAP (a UNESCO-affiliated entity in South Korea) and ICOMOS (a global NGO linked to UNESCO) can play a pivotal role in unlocking the Boimela's full potential. 

Their expertise could help secure UNESCO's prestigious Intangible Cultural Heritage status for the Boimela, cementing its place as a cultural treasure on the world stage.

To achieve this, the establishment of a national database is essential. Bangla Academy has yet to undertake comprehensive research on readership trends, leaving a gap in understanding what drives literary consumption. Such a database could track popular genres, reader preferences, and emerging trends, providing invaluable insights for publishers, writers, and policymakers.

Bangla Academy must urgently establish a Quality Assurance Unit. This body would regulate the publication standards at the Boimela, curbing the influx of subpar works by seasonal or vanity writers. Such measures would ensure that the fair maintains its reputation as a platform for meaningful, high-quality literature.

Furthermore, distinguished anthropologists, filmmakers, and researchers can spearhead international networking efforts, connecting with global publishers, book expos, and scholarly organisations. These collaborations would help safeguard national archival records, ensuring the unaltered documentation and accurate translation of narratives from the 1952 Language Movement and other pivotal moments in Bangladesh's history.

Enhancing literary tourism 
From an anthropological perspective, the Amar Ekushey Boimela has the potential to gain international acclaim by embracing the Bookscape concept, promoting literary tourism, and revitalising Bangladesh's heritage industry. 

Drawing inspiration from Arjun Appadurai's (1990) theory of transnational flows—where people, culture, and technologies intersect in the global cultural economy—this local literary gathering can transform into a premier literary destination in South Asia. By attracting global authors, publishers, and visitors, the Boimela can not only enrich Bangladesh's cultural landscape but also stimulate the local economy, creating a symbiotic relationship between heritage and development.

However, a significant challenge lies in the allocation of resources. Donor organisations often prioritise funding for pressing developmental issues like gendered vulnerability and climate change, leaving little room for research-driven initiatives that safeguard cultural heritage. This oversight neglects the critical need to build human capital and technical infrastructure to preserve Bangladesh's intangible cultural inheritances. 

By addressing this gap, the Boimela can unlock substantial opportunities in cultural job markets, empowering fresh graduates— folklorists, documentary makers, and early-stage researchers—to thrive in creative economy sectors dedicated to conserving national heritage. 

Organizations like the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh and Friendship Bangladesh have already set commendable examples in promoting and preserving both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, paving the way for broader collaboration.

To elevate Bangladesh's cultural heritage on global platforms, integrating ICH education and digital literacy into readership programs is essential. The virtual presence of the Ekushey Boimela, shared through vlogs, videos, and social media, holds immense potential to attract international tourists and book enthusiasts. This digital outreach can foster cross-cultural exchanges and grassroots heritage transmission, amplifying the Boimela's global appeal.

Yet Bangladesh remains acutely underdeveloped in research efforts, highlighting the need for Bangla Academy to spark public interest in research-orientated content. Reviving the book industry, reinstating local libraries, and motivating grassroots writers and publishers are crucial steps to enhance readership quality. 

Bridging the gap between cultural preservation and capacity-building programs must be reevaluated to safeguard the Boimela, which stands as a mirror of Bangalee identity, reflected in the books showcased at this annual literary festival.

Nevertheless, challenges persist. The proliferation of pirated editions, public security concerns, unfair royalties for writers, and the congested atmosphere of the Boimela hinder its potential to achieve global prestige.

Despite these obstacles, the Boimela remains a beacon of hope, poised to be recognised as Bangladesh's precious Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Achieving this milestone, however, requires harmonious collaboration among development practitioners, NGOs, international partners, and government efforts. 

By aligning with UNESCO's visionary ICH initiatives and skilled negotiation and practical implementation, Bangladesh can ensure that the Amar Ekushey Boimela not only preserves its cultural essence but also shines as a global symbol of literary and cultural excellence.

Sketch: TBS

Rafia Raisa is a student of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Dhaka. Currently, she is working as a research associate for the ICH Video Production  Project (2023-2025), ICHCAP (under the auspices of UNESCO, South Korea) in collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, University of Dhaka. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.