A slice of Dipan's dream

Spreading the light of knowledge was something that Faisal Arefin Dipan had always dreamt of.

But his life was cut short on October 31, 2015 as he was brutally hacked to death by suspected religious extremists inside the office of Jagriti Prokashani, a book publication house founded by him, in the capital, leaving his dreams unfulfilled.

However, his family members decided to carry forward the legacy he left behind. They launched a bookshop café named "Dipanpur" on New Elephant Road in the capital recently, marking 45th birth anniversary of the late publisher.

"Dipan always dreamt of doing something for the country and its people. He started his publication house to serve people by spreading the light of knowledge. As the government or other publishers did not take any initiative after his death, I along with some of my friends decided to fulfil his dream and to keep his memory alive," Dipan's wife Marzia Rahman Joly told The Daily Star.

Entering the bookshop, spreading over about 3,000 square feet, one would be mesmerised to see a huge collection of books. One can read books there over a cup of coffee or snacks as there is a service named "Dipanjoli" inside the café.

"Books of foreign authors will also be available here soon," said Marzia, also owner of the bookshop café.

The shop also has a stage named "Dipontola" for holding launching ceremonies of new books.

Dipanpur also has a special corner offering a huge collection of children's book.

"Children are now more interested in passing time on social networking sites than reading books. But here we have special arrangement for the children that will help build their reading habit," Marzia said.

Some stationery products and paintings of different artists will be up for sale.

Noted writer Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal graced the inauguration ceremony last month. He said he had always wanted to have such bookshop café in the country. "I believe, if anyone comes here, his mind will be filled with joy," he added.

Dipan's father Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque of Bangla department and Prof Abul Barkat of economics department of Dhaka University, and Prof Yasmeen Haque of computer science department of Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, were also present at the ceremony.

Two books -- “Sahitya Chinta” written by Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque and “Inir Jonno Chhora” by Kazi Tahmina -- were launched on the inaugural day.