Fresh authors usually have to face hundreds of hurdles during every Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela but their sufferings this year have surpassed all previous records.
A sharp rise in the book prices resulted by high cost of paper and other materials has made the publishers bound to rely more on popular writers instead of offering ample opportunities to the new writers, they said.
“As a new writer, I have gone through a tough process. I went to a number of publishers and most of them rejected my manuscript even without going through it. They said they would publish less number of books this year. Finally I had to publish my book spending money from my own wallet,” said a young author, wishing not to be named.

Questioning the literary judgment of publishers, the writer also said that publishing houses often prefer fresh authors who have big number of followers on social media.
Visiting the fair on Monday, this correspondent found that young authors’ acquaintances and members of their close circles are the main readers of their books. Besides, their books are also sold based on publicity.
Writer Godhuli Majumdar wanted to publish her first poetry compilation this year but being discouraged by established publishing houses she found it difficult to bring new book.
“Several publishers told me that they can publish my book but in that case I have to pay them at least Tk40,000. It seemed too expensive to me. Later, four members of our literary circle brought 32 poems together in a compilation. Now I am observing the response of readers,” she said.
Fresh authors point their fingers to the publishers, while denying their allegations publishers said they encourage talented new writers if they find potential in their copies.
Bhashachitra editor and publisher Khandaker Manirul Islam said they brought around 45 books by young writers and among them some 25 to 30 have come up with their first book.
“We inspire new writers. We have an unofficial editorial board. They select the manuscripts. Following their suggestions we publish manuscripts of talented writers. New writers are doing quite well. Sometimes books by them outsell established authors,” he said.
Publisher and CEO of Agamee Prakashani and former president of Academic and Creative Publishers Association of Bangladesh Osman Gani criticises the urgency of some young writers who want to bring their books during the Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela at any cost.
“There are many young writers who spend their own money and publish books through various publishers. It doesn’t matter if the readers read those or not,” he said.
He also said this trend should be changed and fresh writers should show patience and read more books before wishing to bring their books in the fair.
Being fixed in solving the riddle created mutual blame game, even the conscious readers find it difficult to identify the real young talents. Writers and publishers expect a more active role of the Bangla Academy to recognise promising new writers.
On the nineteenth day of the book fair, a discussion programme titled “Remembrance: Hasan Azizul Haque” was held at the main stage of the book fair at 4:00pm with Prof Bhishmadeb Choudhury in the chair.
Mojaffar Hossain presented keynote paper while Faruq Mainuddin and Mohibul Aziz were present as discussants.
Fictionist Ashim Himel, poet Gazi Rafik, satirist Satyajit Biswas, and researcher Ziaul Haque discussed their new books at the Lekhok Bolchi stage.
According to Bangla Academy, some 115 new books hit the stalls on the day.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Publishers and Book-Sellers Association sent a letter to the Bangla Academy requesting to increase the duration of the fair for two more days. The association’s Vice-president Shyamal Paul confirmed the matter.
Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Nurul Huda, however, said they are yet to take any decision in this regard.
Today, on the twentieth day of the fair, a discussion on “Remembrance: Jamal Nazrul Islam” will be held on the main stage of the book fair at 4pm.
Asif will present the key note paper while Subrata Barua and Arshad Hossain will participate in the discussion to be presided over by Prof Abdul Mannan.