The latest novel by writer and activist Pinaki Bhattacharya, titled Fulkumari, was officially launched at a grand ceremony in the ballroom of Le Parson Hotel, Paris. The novel, based on Bhattacharya’s life as a refugee during the turbulent COVID-19 pandemic, explores themes of exile and resilience, with a distinctive narrative centered on a conversation with a rat.

The book has already gained widespread acclaim, emerging as a bestseller in the South Asian category on Amazon. Published by the Paris-based publishing house PICT Books, Fulkumari is drawing international attention for its poignant storytelling.

The launch event saw the participation of several notable personalities, including Evrim Salim Sayar, Executive Director of the Paris Institute for Critical Thinking (PICT), and David Salim Sayar, Editor-at-Large at PICT. The event featured sessions in both Bengali and English. Veteran journalist Mahbub Hossain hosted the Bengali session, while the English session was moderated by young activist Manuchehr Shafi.

The program began with a welcome speech from activist Muhammad Ali Chowdhury. Guests included members of the Bangladeshi community in France, as well as journalists, poets, writers, and human rights activists. In his remarks, Evrim Sayar expressed his pleasure at working with Bhattacharya, stating that the book's success reflects its powerful narrative.

David Salim Sayar, who edited the novel, spoke about his year-long collaboration with Bhattacharya on the project. He explained how the book's development coincided with key political movements in Bangladesh, including a popular uprising, which reshaped the narrative context. Sayar described Fulkumari as more than a novel, calling it an autobiographical work of literary fiction that is expected to captivate readers worldwide.

During the event, Bhattacharya read excerpts from the book, which deeply moved the audience. While discussing the story, he broke into tears as he referenced the infamous Teknaf incident involving the killing of Ekram. This tragic event is also woven into the narrative of Fulkumari.

Bhattacharya emphasized the importance of Bangladeshi writers publishing in multiple languages, particularly English, to reach a global audience. He believes this will enhance Bangladesh’s cultural connectivity with the world.

The discussion session featured insights from activist Monowar Patwary and Bhattacharya’s wife, Anjuman Ara Begum, who spoke about the book's impact and significance. The audience included distinguished members of the Bangladeshi community in France, such as senior journalist Mannan Azad, France 24 correspondent Arif Ullah, and community leaders TM Reza and Shahidul Islam.

Others in attendance included security consultant Anisur Rahman, feminist leader Shamima Akter Ruby, former military officer Mir Jahan, poet Badiuzzaman Zaman, and author Khan Anwar Hossain. Representatives from the Bangladesh Community in France (BCF) and the France-Bangladesh Journalists Association (FBJA) also joined the event, along with prominent journalists from various media outlets.

The launch of Fulkumari has set the stage for broader discussions on exile, resilience, and storytelling, resonating strongly with readers and the literary community alike.