TBT REPORT: Sadat Hossain, one of the most celebrated Bangladeshi authors of our time, rings in the new year in grand style. The much-anticipated second installment of his novel Shongkhochur—hailed as an absolute ‘reader’s treasure’ and ‘critic’s darling’ for its sweeping narrative—has been unveiled to the delight of countless bookworms waiting with bated breath Adding to the excitement, the book has been simultaneously released in both hardcover and eBook formats, setting a new benchmark in the country’s publishing industry.
This dual-format launch is not only a first for Bangladesh but, perhaps, a significant milestone in the global publishing landscape as well. For the first time, a Bangladeshi author’s novel is being made available worldwide on the same day in both print and digital formats. And here’s the pleasant surprise: each hardcover copy of Shongkhochur, Part 2, comes with a unique QR code, allowing readers to download the eBook version at no additional cost, while guaranteeing that only one eBook download is allowed per book. This pioneering feature offers readers, for the first time ever, the flexibility to enjoy their favorite book in either format, according to their convenience. This is history right here!
This trailblazing initiative has been set into motion by Bangladesh’s leading publishing house Anyaprokash in collaboration with the country’s prominent eBook and audiobook platform Boighor. Together, Anyaprokash and Boighor have redefined the relationship between printed books and eBooks, proving that the two mediums not only can coexist harmoniously, but also complement one another in their journey to reach readers.
For the millions of Bengali readers spread across the globe, the release also marks a step toward enhanced accessibility. Readers who cannot acquire the hardcover copy of Shongkhochur, Part 2, can now simply download the eBook via the Boighor app from anywhere in the world. This convenience positions eBooks as a vital tool in bridging the gap between international readers and Bangladeshi literature.
Speaking about this groundbreaking book-launch approach, representatives from Anyaprokash emphasized their commitment to supporting readers with reader-friendly innovations. They also announced that all books slated for release ahead of the upcoming Ekushey Book Fair will follow this model, offering simultaneous hardcover and eBook availability. As with Shongkhochur , these books will feature unique QR codes for seamless digital access through the Boighor platform.
This historic collaboration marks another first for Boighor—the simultaneous release of a hardcover and eBook version of a new book. And it is none other than Sadat Hossain, an author with an unparalleled fan base at home and abroad, who has been chosen for this milestone. The launch offers his readers the opportunity to dive into his latest work immediately upon release, reinforcing his stature as a literary phenomenon.
With exclusive Sadat Hossain stories and eBook versions of various titles already available on Boighor, this latest release underscores the platform’s role in promoting Bangladeshi literature on a global scale. The collaboration also sets the stage for further innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing accessibility and enriching the reading experience for Bengali-speaking audiences worldwide.
For Sadat Hossain’s legions of fans, Shongkhochur, Part 2, is more than just a book—it’s the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise. With its dual-format release, it’s a promise that can now be savored in whichever way readers prefer.