DHAKA, Dec 10, 2025 (BSS) - University Press Limited (UPL) today launched a month-long book fair marking the golden jubilee of the renowned publishing house.

The fair was inaugurated this afternoon at the UPL's main office in Farmgate, where scholars, writers and members of the academic community joined.

The fair, begins today, will run until December 31, offering readers 30 to 70 percent discounts on a wide range of selected titles.

The exhibition will remain open from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm every day across UPL's three outlets in Farmgate, Khulna and Jamalkhan in Chattogram.
 
Buyers will also be able to enjoy the same discounts through UPL's online platform.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor Taiabur Rahman, Dean of Social Sciences Faculty of the Dhaka University (DU), praised UPL on its golden jubilee for serving as an 'Ambassador of Bangladeshi publications'.

He mentioned UPL's contributions to research-oriented publishing, especially in the social sciences, and acknowledged its support for university-level teaching.

He also suggested that UPL partner with international publishers to legally distribute the works of Bangladeshi academics and consider translating English texts to expand readership.

Prof Emeritus of the University of Bath in UK Dr. Geof Wood praised UPL founder Mohiuddin Ahmed for his exceptional vision as a public intellectual and publisher. 

He said the founder of UPL had the rare ability to identify emerging ideas, nurture writers, and support both academic and community-focused work. 

Dr. Wood recalled how the founder created networks, edited complex manuscripts, mentored young researchers, and encouraged innovative projects.

He marked UPL as a workshop of making public intellectuals and wished for a long routine of the institution.

Prof Dr. Qumrul Ahsan, vice-chancellor (VC) of University of Asia Pacific (UAP), lauded UPL for developing an academic publishing environment comparable to major global presses like Oxford University Press (OUP) and Cambridge University Press (CUP).

He urged UPL to explore journal publishing, strengthen digital platforms for academic engagement, and collaborate with universities to promote student reading circles.
 
"Such initiatives would further enhance UPL's role in supporting higher education and research," he said.

Prof Firdous Azim, chairperson of the Department of English and Humanities at the BRAC University reflected on UPL's 50-year journey, noting its strong output in both English and Bangla including translations-since its inception under the leadership of Mohiuddin Ahmed.