Piracy Threatens Local Book Publishing Industry in Bangladesh

The local book publishing industry in Bangladesh faces a growing threat from piracy, risking its growth and innovation.

on Jan 21, 2025

Piracy Threatens Local Book Publishing Industry in Bangladesh

Chronic Issue Expands to Local Titles

Once limited to international books and West Bengal literature, piracy in Bangladesh now targets local publishers' bestselling titles. Popular books from Prothoma, Baatighar, and UPL are being illegally reproduced and sold at Nilkhet, Shahbagh, and via untraceable online sellers.

How Piracy Operates

Pirated copies mimic originals with startling accuracy, making it hard for average readers to differentiate. Online sellers use virtual numbers to avoid detection, while street vendors confidently market photocopied books as authentic. A single source reportedly supplies most pirated books, but efforts to trace this network have failed.

Impact on the Industry

Piracy poses a significant financial threat to publishers and authors. Revenue losses prevent royalties for writers and wages for editors, proofreaders, and press workers. Additionally, the government loses tax revenue, and intellectual property rights are flagrantly violated.

Legal Hurdles

While publishers occasionally pursue legal action, Bangladesh’s slow judicial system and high costs make such efforts unsustainable. Prothoma and Baatighar executives highlighted how cases drag on without resolution, deterring further action.

Cultural Shift Needed

Many readers fail to see piracy as theft, contributing to its normalization. Raising awareness about counterfeit copies and emphasizing the ethical purchase of books are essential steps.

Path to Resolution

An alliance among publishers, stricter enforcement of copyright laws, and implementation of the 2014 National Book Policy could help combat piracy. However, industry stakeholders stress that government agencies must take the lead for meaningful change.

Without collective effort, piracy risks undermining the long-term viability of Bangladesh’s publishing industry.