Revenue & Philately
Book Review:
Bangladesh Revenue & Philately – All About Bangladesh Revenue Stamps by Gholam Abed
The study of revenue stamps has long remained a specialized yet fascinating branch of philately, and Bangladesh Revenue & Philately – All About Bangladesh Revenue Stamps by Gholam Abed stands as a significant contribution to this underexplored field.
This comprehensive work not only covers the revenue issues of modern Bangladesh but also provides valuable insight into the earlier period of East Pakistan. The author carefully traces the transition from Pakistani fiscal systems to the emergence of independent Bangladesh, offering collectors a rare and detailed perspective on this important historical phase.
A particularly noteworthy aspect of the book is the documentation of provisional issues used during and after independence. The author highlights the use of Pakistan revenue stamps in Bangladesh, including locally produced provisional overprints and rubber hand-stamped issues. These provisional and emergency usages, often overlooked, are explained with clarity and supported by examples, making this section especially valuable for specialists and advanced collectors.
The book covers a wide range of fiscal material, including court fee stamps, non-judicial issues, postal-fiscal usages, and various overprints. It is meticulously organized, with detailed descriptions of design variations, denominations, and printings. The inclusion of illustrations and real examples greatly assists collectors in accurate identification and study.
For members of the Peshawar Stamp Society and the wider philatelic community, this publication opens new avenues of research and collecting. It strengthens the philatelic connection between Pakistan and Bangladesh, encouraging deeper study of shared postal and fiscal history.
In conclusion, Bangladesh Revenue & Philately is more than just a catalog—it is a scholarly and practical reference that deserves a place in every serious philatelist’s library. It is highly recommended for collectors interested in revenue stamps, provisional issues, and the rich postal and fiscal heritage of South Asia