World Book, Copyright Day observed

29 April 2010, 18:00 PM

Metro Desk

The University Press Limited (UPL) observed World Book and Copyright Day on April 24 in solidarity with one of Unesco's mission “to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright,” says a press release. A discussion was held marking the day. Prof Anisuzzaman, Fazle Rabbi and Md Manzurur Rahman spoke at the discussion. They shared their experiences and views on copyright infringement and the role of copyright in protecting intellectual property. They also expressed grave concern regarding current practices in the country in terms of copyright violation, lack of protection of authors' rights and royalty and harm caused in creating a knowledge-based moral society. Copyright Registrar Manzurur Rahman said Bangladesh Copyright Board has the authority to process permission for translation of world literature and the board will be happy to assist authors in this regard. Mohiuddin Ahmed, managing director of UPL, urged the authors to form an association and put pressure on publishers to give them their due share of royalty and provide proper accounts for books sold. Prominent scholars, literary personalities and book lovers were present at the discussion. On the occasion, UPL has opened a new showroom at Pragati Sarani near Baridhara and Gulshan in the city.