Little mag stalls fightfor footfall

Magazines produced by literary organisations, movements, or groups of writers, fondly known as “little mags”, may not be traditional books, but their role in nurturing writers and strengthening literary practice is invaluable.

At the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the Little Mag Chattar has long been celebrated as a hub for new voices and bold ideas, where reformist poets, authors, and readers gather to debate, discuss, and exchange perspectives.
Yet, less than a week before the fair concludes, the Little Mag Chattar at Suhrawardy Udyan appeared unusually quiet, with a noticeable lack of literary enthusiasts.

This year little mag stalls have been showing an indifferent attitude. At least half of the allotted stalls were not opened in the first week of the fair. In continuation of this, a significant number of stalls among the allocated 87 were closed on Tuesday.
Many of the owners, editors and salespersons who opened stalls were wandering around leaving stalls empty while those who were sitting inside were spending time through chatting with salespersons of adjacent stalls or browsing mobile phones. There were a very few buyers.

“The number of booklovers visiting ‘Little Mag Chattar’ has reduced compared to other years. A very few copies of our magazines are sold although the sale is not our only aim to attend the fair,” said little mag “Nongor” Publisher Shumon Shams.

Most of the stalls are attending the fair with their old editions of the magazines and those who have brought new publications are failing to attract readers with their contents.

Little Mag “Ghungur” Editor Nazmul Hossain said, “The readers of little mags want fresh ideas, strong writings and sharp expression from writers and editors which are hardly available. Most of the magazines are carrying traditional literary features.”

However, there are a few exceptional stalls as well and they are receiving readers’ response. “Odri” is such a little magazine that has brought a plethora of travelogues which have earned the attention of travel-loving readers.

Asad Tanvir Riyad, sales person of the stall, said their magazines are getting good response from readers and they have sold magazines worth Tk4,000 so far. 

“We have a travellers’ group on facebook. Our members come here and collect copies of our magazine. Besides, other readers are also showing interests in our publications. We have a variety of travel stories which are based on various parts of the country and the world,” he added. 

With theatre related contents “Khyepa” and “Gram Theatre” have succeeded in attracting theatre activists who love to read little magazines.

Poet and little magazine “Shaluk” Editor Obayed Akash said the organisers of the fair give little attention to the Little Mag Chattar. 

“A number of stalls and pavilions are awarded for their publications and designs but the Bangla Academy doesn’t feel the necessity to appreciate little mag stalls. It should monitor the practice of little mag stalls to recognise them,” he said.

He also suggested the stall owners and editors to find out new promising writers for encouraging fresh thoughts and create a favourable environment where all progressive literary movements can find their space.
On the thirteenth day of the book fair, a discussion programme titled “Syed Manzoorul Islam” was held at the main stage of the book fair at 3:00pm with Khaliquzzaman Elias in the chair.

Ahmed Mostafa Kamal presented keynote paper while Harishankar Jaladas was present as discussant.

Researcher Israil Khan and poet Md Abdul Baten discussed their new books at the Lekhok Bolchi stage on the day.

Today, on the fourteenth day of the fair, a discussion on “Remembrance: Shamsher Ali” will be held on the main stage of the book fair at 3:00pm. 

ABM Obaydul Islaam will present the key note paper while Farseem Mannan Mohammadi will participate in the discussion to be presided over by Aarshad Momen.

The reporter can be reached at: [email protected]