Afsana Begum returns as Jatiya Grantha Kendro chief months after controversial removal

"I had to leave because I became the victim of a personal vendetta," she says

Fiction writer Afsana Begum has been reinstated as the director of the Jatiya Grantha Kendro under a one-year contractual appointment, following a controversial removal by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.

Afsana, who resumed her duties on Sunday, told bdnews24.com: "I joined two hours ago. It feels great to return to this role for a second time."

She expressed that she was deeply inspired by the warmth and enthusiasm of her colleagues upon her return.

"I went through a period of mental distress. I had to leave because I became a victim of personal vendetta," she said.

"More importantly, the fast-paced work we were doing, especially regarding the reading community, had completely fallen apart. I am thrilled that we can resume those projects now."

The Ministry of Public Administration issued the reappointment notification last Thursday.

Afsana’s abrupt removal in January sparked widespread discussion and criticism.

The interim government had relieved her of her duties without showing any cause while she was outside Dhaka attending a four-day training workshop with colleagues.

Poet AHM Shakhawat Ullah, widely known as Shakhawat Tipu, was appointed to replace her at the time.

It was widely rumoured that her removal stemmed from disagreements with Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the then advisor to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Afsana had taken charge as director in September 2024 and had announced plans to reform the book selection policy to filter out substandard books from the book centre.

She proposed an amendment to abolish the 20 percent quota reserved for secretaries and ministers, aiming to bring 100 percent of the book selection under a dedicated committee.

Farooki reportedly disagreed with the proposal.

Afsana later shared details of her conversations with the advisor regarding the matter on Facebook.

Afsana Begum completed her graduation and post-graduation from Jahangirnagar University before earning a Master's degree in International Development Management from the University of Nottingham, UK.

She has authored and translated 24 books.