We are delighted to welcome 60 international writers and poets, representing more than 18 countries, to join Bangladeshi writers and artists, for the 6th edition of the Dhaka Lit Fest. At a time when many understandably shy away from a city like Dhaka, we are thrilled to have the support of all those who are planning to come out this November. At the same time, we are also very grateful to Bangladeshi writers, publishers, activists who fight daily, at times with grave risk, to keep open the space for free thought and discourse. We also thank the authorities who provide the high degree of security that has now become de rigueur for events of its kind. DLF is the upshot of many souls from home and abroad, who come together only for three days, but thanks to months of preparation. As always, we embrace diversity and pluralism, actively engaging in other cultures and literatures, as well as celebrating our own. This is the first time we will have the pleasure of hosting winners of the Nobel, Man International and the Pulitzer prizes in a single event in Dhaka. As a tribute to the recently deceased writer Syed Shamsul Haq, we will be staging a play, Neel Dangshan, adapted from his classic novel of the same name. Dialogues will range from literature to politics, science to culture, and we will welcome alternative perspectives and counter-narratives. We strive always to showcase upcoming voices alongside established ones, and certainly to hold up the best of our culture and literature for the world to know in a spirit of mutuality and collaboration.

We welcome all lovers of literature and art, free and respectful debate and discourse to join us in the charming lawns and halls of the haloed Bangla Academy. Along with the artists, it is the attendants who make the festival vibrant, alive and worth everyone's effort! So, please join us on Nov 17-19 and bring your friends too! – Kazi Anis Ahmed, Sadaf Saaz, Ahsan Akbar Directors, Dhaka Lit Fest