'Bichoyon' expands into a net version

Many academic and political figures including Gonoforum President Dr. Kamal Hossain, Manzurul Karim, chief editor of Bichoyon and Habibullah N Karim, editor of the magazine were present at the ceremony. The first issue of Bichoyon came out six years ago. Initially targeting the young generation of the country, the publication wanted to present an analytic overview of different social and communal problems. The idea of this non-profit publication was to involve youth in the development of the nation. The production cost was entirely covered by TCL and the magazine was distributed for free in more than two thousand academic institutions throughout the country.

"Covering the publication cost was a major obstacle, which is another reason why we decided to shift to a net version of the journal," said Editor Habibullah N Karim. Because of high printing costs, TCL had to stop the publication in 2002, after the 8th issue. After a two year gap, the 9th issue is finally out and available online. The editor still hold hopes for publishing a limited number of the paper version parallel to the web edition for people who do not have access to the net. Dr Kamal Hossain noted that the majority of the population does not have internet connection and an average citizen of the country cannot afford the cost of patronising cyber cafés. Because of space and time factors, a lot will be left out in the web version of Bichoyon.

"We will monitor the next one or two web versions and see what kind of impact it makes. Depending on that we will go ahead with any desired changes," informed Karim. Asked if TCL plans on an English version of Bichoyon, Karim mentioned that bilingual editions will be considered once TCL gets clearance from the Department of Films and Publications (DFP). "We seek co-operation from the policy-makers of the country on this matter," he states. Dr Kamal Hossain urged the administrators of the site to prepare an impact-assessment of the efforts of Bichoyon since its inception. He stressed the need for the administration to rededicate themselves towards the rudimentary cause of the magazine.

On advertisement of the sites, Karim mentioned that TCL plans to approach Bangladeshis living abroad through popular email groups of different websites. "We are hoping for complimentary exchange of advertising with these sites," he added, emphasising their non-profit angle.