Dhaka Lit Fest begins Nov 19

Curtains to the three-day Dhaka Literary Festival, previously known as the Hay Festival Dhaka are set to rise on November 19, for the fifth time on the historic grounds of the Bangla Academy in the capital.

Founded in 1988, Hay Festival has become one of the world's top literary festivals and has emerged as a significant literary platform in the country for Bangladeshi writers, especially those writing in English.

This year's event will notably feature a Nobel laureate for the first time, Dr Harold Varmus, author of The Art and Politics of Science. The programme will also includes iconic literary figure Nayantara Sahgal, Pakistani human rights lawyer Asma Jahangir, British journalist and TV presenter Jon Snow, Indian bestseller Shobhaa De and Indian historian and writer Ramachandra Guha.

There are also cultural performances, writing workshops, interactive panel discussions, book launches and creative sessions for children and much more for the literary enthusiasts.

Registration is going on at http://www.imdhaka.com/ dhaka-lit-festival and registration booths will be open at the entrance on the Bangla Academy premises.

The festival will host over 250 talents this year, out of which more than 60 will be from 14 different countries.

The Dhaka Literary Festival is being produced by Jatrik, with Bangla Academy as the co-host and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs as special partner.