The book launch for *Alote Andhar Dhake* (Darkness Veiled in Light) by journalist, essayist, and poet Saidur Rahman ‘Said’ was held today (October 3, 2026) at the Basia Prokashani auditorium on Station Road, Sylhet. In the absence of the ailing author Saidur Rahman Said, the book launch ceremony turned into an occasion of sorrow rather than joy; instead of discussing the book, the author’s admirers found themselves reminiscing about him.
Speaking as the chief guest, poet and Liberation War researcher A. K. Sheram remarked that today’s event was truly unique. While book launch ceremonies typically focus on the book itself, today’s event centered entirely on the author. Instead of applause, a profound silence pervaded the gathering. This reflects the love people have for one another. One does not receive such love unless one is successful. He is a successful person—a successful writer. He further added that the author has skillfully portrayed the spirit of egalitarianism and the protest of the oppressed and downtrodden in this book. Each of his works instills courage in people and empowers them to bring about social change.
“Alote Andhar Dhake” is the first book published by the Aflatun Nesa-Pir Boksh Trust. The Trust has now taken the initiative to publish one book annually. This is a noble endeavor by the Trust aimed at fostering, promoting, and preserving creative talent. Md. Shoab Ali—Chairman of the Trust, President of the East Station Road Businessmen’s Association, and current member of Kamal Bazar Union—presided over the book launch ceremony organized jointly by Basiya Publications and the Aflatun Nessa-Pir Boksh Trust.
Poet and Liberation War researcher A. K. Sheram attended the publication ceremony as the chief guest, with lyricist Haripada Chanda presiding over the event. Special guests present included *Bhaskar* editor and poet Pulin Roy, Principal Niaz Uddin, Professor Jannat Ara Khan Panna, rhymester Ajit Roy Bhajan, poet and politician Dewan Matiur Rahman Khan, poet Sumon Banik, and Md. Arju Miah, Secretary of Goalabazar Public Library.
Veteran journalist and researcher Matiar Chowdhury, Chairperson of the Manuscript Scrutiny Committee of the Aflatun Nessa-Pir Boksh Trust, joined online from England as a guest. Babul Ahmed—Public Relations Officer of Basiya Prokashani and a renowned playwright and author—delivered the welcome address at the beginning.
Among others who spoke were poet Munira Siraj Chowdhury, poet Kamal Ahmad, journalist and poet Mohammad Nurul Islam, South Surma Literary Council General Secretary M Ali Hossain, journalist Jalal Joy, poet and journalist Nuruddin Russell, poet Bijon Chandra Das Bijoy, journalist Emran Faysal, Aflatun Nessa-Pir Boksh Trust Treasurer and writer Rahmat Ali Khokon, and Nafis Iqbal.
