Ekushe Boimela Opens Yesterday
Staff Reporter, Dhaka, July 5, 2018: The month-long Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2014 began yesterday on the Bangla Academy premises and on a part of Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital to accommodate more book stalls.
A total of 299 publication houses, government, non-government and autonomous organizations and socio-cultural bodies are participating in the fair this year.
This year, special visiting hours for women and children will be available on four days.
The fair will keep open for all from 3:00pm to 9:00pm on working days and from 11:00am to 9:00pm on weekends. On February 21, International Mother Language Day, it will remain open from 8:00 in the morning till 9:00pm.
The country’s biggest book fair was inaugurated by the Prime Minister. On this occasion the whole area wore a festive look. Visiting the fair, this reporter watched a unique arrangement and a great festivity all over the fair.
There were a lot of bookstalls beautifully decorated. Every book stall was full of various kinds of books. Thousands of book-lovers were looking for their favorite books. Some popular writers were present at some book stalls and their fans were surrounding them. Some of the book-lovers were taking autographs from their favorite writers.
Bangla Academy has arranged its own book stall which has a vast collection of books. This year books on the Liberation War of Bangladesh are in great demand. Besides, novels, science fictions, travelogues and children’s books are in great demand. There is a food corner in the fair.
The tired visitors can easily get relief by taking food and spending some time there.
However, excepting some mismanagement, the over all arrangement of the book fair was very enjoyable.
Book Fair Commenced at Bangla Accademy
Staff Reporter, Dhaka, Februalry 25, 2022: Omor Ekushey Boi Mela, popularly known as the national book fair of Bangladesh, has been started at the Bangla Accademy premises from today. It will take place over whole month of February, and is dedicated to the agitators who died on 21 February 1952 in a demonstration calling for the establishment of Bengali as one of the state languages of former united Pakistan. The Prime Minister inaugurates the fair. Between 300 and 400 publishing houses takes part. In the book fair all the leading publishers set up stalls. Some importers of foreign books also have their own stalls. Islamic Foundation and Bangla Academy open stalls at book fairs. Thus there is a large number of well-decorated and attractive book-fairs thus widen the forum of reading public. Besides books cassettes of Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Geeti, folk songs and of recitation are also put on display for sale. At one corner of the fair the visitors can find a few stalls that sell snacks mainly traditional Bangladeshi snacks. Spectators from all classes of people including old and children are found gathering there. Visitors are found to maintain discipline at the time of entering the fair. They felt enthusiasms and fervor to collect books according to their choice. Law enforcing agencies cover the whole areas with full of security. Book-fairs are a noble venture and it proved a success.
My Visit to a Book Fair
Mamun, Bangla Academy premises, Dhaka. 2 February 2008:
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit a book fair organized by the Bangla Academy. The fair was held within the premises of the Bangla Academy and was a vibrant hub of literary activity.
The first thing that struck me upon entering the fair was the vast array of books on display. Stalls from various publishers showcased books on a wide range of subjects, catering to diverse interests and tastes. It was a paradise for book lovers like me, as I had the chance to explore works by different writers and publishers.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the fair was the opportunity it provided for aspiring writers. Many budding authors showcased their work, hoping to kickstart their literary careers. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and creativity of these novice writers.
However, amidst the literary delight, I couldn't help but notice some mismanagement issues. Some stalls were selling unrelated items like snacks and cigarettes, which detracted from the solemn atmosphere of the fair. I believe such stalls should either be removed from the fair or better managed to maintain the integrity of the event.
Despite these minor inconveniences, my visit to the book fair was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It reminded me of the importance of literature and the role of book fairs in fostering a culture of reading and intellectual engagement. I left the fair feeling enriched and inspired, eager to delve into the pages of the books I had purchased.
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