Imrad Zulkarnine and (Right) A visitor browses audio books at a stall at the ongoing Amart Ekushey Book Fair. — New Age photo

Audio book, Kahinik, co-founder and curator Imrad Zulkarnine said that audio book apps could play an important role in promoting Bangla language and literary works among people across the globe.

‘Human beings love to tell and listen to stories. Voice actors and recitation artistes depict characters of a literary work in an audio book to provide an immersive experience. Audio book apps that offer Bangla literary works can introduce our language and literature to people living in different countries across the globe where people do not have access to Bangla books,’ said Imrad Zulkarnine, who cofounded audio book app Kahinik along with five others in December, 2023.

He has been encouraging book lovers visiting Kahinik stall at Amar Ekushey Book Fair to download the audio book app as it can make Bangla literature available to people with visual impairments and elderly citizens.

‘Audio books can allow visually impaired and elderly individuals to enjoy works of their favourite authors and promote literature among children,’ he added.

‘Khahinik is currently offering 130 books by renowned and young authors. People from more than fifty countries now use our app. We have received a huge response from people from all walks of life at the book fair,’ mentioned Imrad, who said that a large number of visitors were visiting their stall at Amar Ekushey Book Fair every day.

A visitor, Shumona Shafinaz, said, ‘I have been using audio book apps to enjoy literary works of my favourite authors because I experience eye discomfort if I stare at the screen of computer or phone to read online books for a long time.’

‘I like to listen to classics and other genres. The voice actors can make the audiobook more engaging and enjoyable. I like to listen to books published by Sheba Prokashoni,’ said another visitor Humayun Azam Rewaz.

Imrad said that a total of 52 recitation artistes, including Ashraful Ashish, Kazi Roksana Ruma, Kamal Ahmed, A K Azad Shetu, Sahana Rahman Sumi, Lopa Momotaz, Lutfa Binte Rabbani, Ashok Basak and others were working with Kahinik as narrators.

‘Narrators can elevate the listening experience of audio books by infusing them with emotions and creating distinct voices for different characters. We try to maintain the genre of the original work by working with authors, publishers and narrators. We are currently offering literary works of Kazi Nazrul Islam, Al Mahmud, Zahir Raihan, Rabindranath Tagore and others. We plan to release theatre books soon,’ ended Imrad.