Book fair picks up pace on sixth day after slow start

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair gathered momentum on Tuesday, its sixth day, as stalls became fully operational, visitor facilities were activated and reader turnout increased following a slow and unprepared start during the holy month of Ramadan.

A visit to the fairgrounds at the Bangla Academy premises and the Suhrawardy Udyan area on Tuesday afternoon showed that most construction and decoration work had been completed. 

Previously incomplete walkways and untidy corners have been renovated, while sidewalks are now clean and easier to navigate.
In the opening days, several publishing houses complained that books had not arrived in full, decorations remained unfinished and the seating environment was inadequate. By the sixth day, however, new titles had begun to fill the shelves, banners and festoons were in place and lighting arrangements had been completed, making the stalls visually appealing.

Organisers confirmed that prayer rooms, breastfeeding corners and toilet facilities are now operational. Staff members were seen maintaining cleanliness across the premises. In consideration of Ramadan, separate prayer arrangements have drawn positive responses from visitors.

Although attendance remains modest in the early afternoon, crowds increase significantly before iftar and in the evening.

Young people, families and children were seen browsing stalls, purchasing books, searching for favourite authors and taking photographs.

Littlemag Chattar

The usual vibrancy has yet to return to “Littlemag Chattar,” the centre for unconventional writing and independent publications.

Although visitor numbers remain comparatively low, some publishers noted that those who are attending are serious readers and are purchasing books.

Habibur Rashid, a magazine seller at the venue, observed that while many visitors browse magazines, relatively few make purchases.

Publishers hopeful of improved sales

Publishers and sales staff reported that sales were low in the initial days due to Ramadan and the fair’s late start. However, they expressed optimism that business will improve during the upcoming holidays.
Kamrul Haque of Ananya Publishing said sales had already increased compared with the first few days and expressed hope for further growth.

Sales representatives from several publishing houses echoed similar expectations, anticipating a stronger turnout from Friday onwards.

Prashanta Roy of Puthiniloy Publishing said visitors are browsing extensively and collecting book lists, expressing confidence that holiday sales will be encouraging.

A group of students from Eden Mohila College said the fair initially appeared chaotic but now feels more organised and welcoming. 

Retired Army officer Hafizur Rahman said he visits the fair out of emotion and feels the atmosphere has improved despite the delayed momentum.

Parents were also seen bringing their children to encourage reading habits. As in previous years, works by the late novelist Humayun Ahmed remain particularly popular among students.

Programmes in the fair

On the sixth day of the book fair, a discussion programme titled “Birth Centenary: Tajuddin Ahmad” was held at the main stage of the book fair at 3pm with Prof Salimullah Khan in the chair.

Mohiuddin Ahmed presented the keynote paper while Sajjad Siddique was present as discussant.
Ali Ahmed discussed his new book at the Lekhok Bolchi stage on the day.

Today, on the seventh day of the fair, a discussion on “Remembrance: Sanjida Khatun” will be held on the main stage of the book fair at 3pm. 

Mofidul Haque will present the keynote paper while Mohammad Azam will participate in the discussion to be presided over by Bhismadeb Chowdhury.