The 8th edition of Dhaka Lit Fest (DLF), an internationally recognised literary festival, kicked off at Abdul Karim Shahitya Bisharad Auditorium of Bangla Academy yesterday.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor inaugurated the festival around 11:00am in presence of internationally acclaimed actor-director Nandita Das, Pulitzer Prize winning author Adam Johnson, and event directors.

Praising the efforts of the hosts, Asaduzzaman Noor said DLF's principles always promote secularism and diversity. “Events like DLF should be encouraged as they help our youth grow a practice of free-thinking rather than taking the path of ignorance.”

He also said the ruling party is always ready to extend support to sectors like art and science.

A section of the distinguished guests at the opening ceremony. Photo: Prabir Das

Producer and director of DLF 2018 Sadaf Saaz said they have always tried to stand by the literary figures who were intimidated and even killed for their beliefs since the inception of the event.

The two other co-directors of the event, K Anis Ahmed and Ahsan Akbar, also spoke on the occasion.

In her brief speech, noted Indian actor-director Nandita Das thanked the organisers for hosting such an “extraordinary event” on literature.

Meanwhile, a Kathak Dance segment was held before the inaugural session while the inauguration ceremony was followed by a dialogue featuring Adam Johnson, David Biello, James Meek, Nisid Hajari and Courtney Hodell.

More than 200 speakers, authors and poets including Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay, Mohammad Hanif, Tilda Swinton and Manisha Koirala are participating in over 90 sessions of DLF.

The festival will continue from 9:00am to 7:30pm every day till tomorrow. DLF 2018 is hosted by Bangla Academy with Dhaka Tribune and Bangla Tribune as the Title Sponsors while Brac Bank is the key sponsor along with British Council, a strategic partner of the event. The festival is free and open for all with online registration.