William Nygaard
Tutul, Ahmedur Chowdhury from Bangladesh is a phenomenon in international Publishing, being a multifaceted publisher, an editor, and a poet. His main impetus is to communicate a humanistic outlook on life regardless of religion and politics. His genuine commitment is his compelling force.
His journal Shuddhashar is recreated digitally in the small town of Skien in Norway.
He has received many international awards as well as a prize from Norwegian PEN, and he is included in the Association of the leading editors of Norway.
Tutul`s voice will remain important for another thirty years.
William Nygaard
Retired head of Norwegian publication house Aschehoug
Former chairman of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation and Norsk PEN.
Marieme Helie Lucas
For Tutul
who never bends to our local brand of fascism,
who believes in culture and in transmission of culture,
who was reborn more valiant and more brave after he had been left for dead,
my admiration, comradeship and support in our common fight for secular societies.
Marieme Helie Lucas
Algerian sociologist and founder of the international networks Women Living Under Muslim Laws and Secularism Is A Women’s Issue
Sindre Bangstad
All too few Norwegians and Europeans are familiar with Shuddhashar and the work of Ahmedur Chowdhury. Untill a few years ago, I happened to be among them. But for thirty years, Shuddhashar has been an exceptional reminder of the myriad ways in which struggles for human rights, for social and gender justice, and for rights to human dignity link us all together in a global tapestry. The struggle for a planetary humanism made to the measure of the world has never been more important, and Shuddhashar and Ahmedur Chowdhury Tutul is to be found at the forefront of that struggle.
Sindre Bangstad
Research Professor,
KIFO, Oslo, Norway
Khushi Kabir
Thirty years of Shudhhashor! I first heard of Shudhhashor some years ago as a progressive publishing house. I heard of this young dynamic fearless person at its helm, Ahmedur Rashid Tutul, but had never met him. Even when he rented his office right opposite to my office, we still hadn’t met.
We eventually met and became close under the worst conditions possible. It was 2015 when progressive writers, activists, bloggers, publishers were being killed, attacked with machetes unhindered, without restraint or control by the State. Tutul too was attacked, end October, 2015. That is how we first met, in the Emergency Room of Dhaka Medical College, with him fighting for his life. He luckily survived, when most did not.
He however paid the price of having to leave behind all his life’s work and take refuge in another country.
When most people would give up, wallow in self-pity, like the phoenix, he recreated Shudhhashor. As an online journal, playing an important part. Providing space and opportunities for the writer and the reader to continue to find a platform for free thoughts and truth to flourish.
Today, I salute Shudhhashor and Tutul for continuing to give us this platform. It is not easy, but continuing to take up the challenge is so important for us all.
My sincere congratulations to the entire team. May we continue to celebrate many more milestones in future.
In solidarity as always and congratulations to the team.
Khushi Kabir
Social Activist, Feminist, and Environmentalist
Bangladesh
Ingeborg Kværne
My heartiest congratulations to Tutul and everyone who in various ways has been involved with Shuddhashar for the last 30 years. Tutul’s tireless efforts for free speech and free thought are important contributions to a better and enlightened world. May Shuddhashar continue to inspire and impress us for many, many years to come.
Ingeborg Kværne
Coordinator for the Norwegian cities of refuge
Norwegian PEN
Marianne Wulfsberg Hovdan
It is an honor to be able to congratulate Shuddhashar on its 30 years’ anniversary!
Tutul’s work for freedom of expression, his strong belief in the value of sharing information, ideas and topics for debate is very important. The way that he has stood his ground, continued his work with Shuddhashar, despite serious threats and an attempt on his life, is nothing short of impressive and deeply admirable.
One of the great privileges of working for ICORN is getting to know strong and amazing people. People that make a change, people whose influence will be remembered and will have an effect for a long time. These people also make an impact on my own life. Tutul definitely is among those. What he has done and continues to do from exile is so important, both for people in his home country of Bangladesh, but also for others. He reminds us what courage is, but also that we need to hold on to the basic human rights. These fundamental freedoms, resulting from generations of dedicated struggle, should never be taken for granted.
Marianne Wulfsberg Hovdan
Protection Manager
ICORN – International Cities of Refuge Network
Sultana Kamal
I am delighted to see Shuddhashar is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Many congratulations to Ahmedur Chowdhury Tutul on this occasion. We all are aware that this long journey for Shuddhashar hasn’t been smooth. Tutul personally and Shuddhashar deserve to be acclaimed for their courageous role in defending freedom of expression.
Sultana Kamal
Human rights lawyer and activist, Bangladesh
Mary Ann DeVlieg
What a pleasure to watch the steady growth and development of the online Shuddhashar magazine. I had the honour to meet its editor three years ago at the Arts Rights Justice Academy at the University of Hildesheim where we shared a week of discussions, knowledge-sharing and mutual support amongst 30 artists and arts organisations committed to free artistic exchange. It must have been like climbing a mountain to re-establish Shuddhashar from its new base. But you did it! And so many around the world are benefitting from your three decades of wisdom. Thank you and congratulations!
Mary Ann DeVlieg
Co-Founder at International Arts Rights Advisors
Editions Asymétrie
“To inspire not to impress”
“To inspire not to impress:” that’s the title Tutul chose for his contribution to our publication in French of Bhagat Singh’s “Why I am an Atheist,” and those simple words are always an inspiration in our publication work and constant reminder that the temporary universalization of oppression and obscurantism will be always met and defeated by the universalization of creativity and freedom.
Editions Asymétrie
France