The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair, which brought together a diverse mix of well-known writers as well as up-and-coming authors, thinkers and entertainers on one stage, came to an end on Tuesday.
Although the book fair saw fewer visitors last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the month-long extravaganza drew huge crowds almost every day this year.
As a result, the fair made a record in new book publications, sales of a huge number of books and enthusiasm among book lovers.
Both authors and publishers were happy because this year's book fair witnessed a record sale with a very encouraging and positive response.
The concluding function of the book fair was held on the fair premises around 5pm.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid attended it as the chief guest while Bangla Academy Director General poet Mohammad Nurul Huda gave a welcome speech on the occasion.
Bangla Academy President Selina Hossain presided over the function.
A total of 901 stalls were allocated to 601 organizations. The authorities allotted 165 stalls to 112 organizations for the Bangla Academy ground and 736 stalls to 489 organizations for Suhrawardy Udyan.
Moreover, a total of 38 pavilions were allocated this year.
Last year, a total of 774 stalls were allocated in favour of 534 organizations. Apart from this, there were 153 stalls at Little Magazine Chattar, which were 127 in 2022, 140 in 2021 and 155 in 2020.
Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2023 on the premises of the Bangla Academy and the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on February 1.
The theme of this year's book fair was "Poro Boi, Goro Desh: Bangabandhur Bangladesh (Read Books, Build the Country: Bangabandhu's Bangladesh). The Bangla Academy organized the fair.
At the function, the prime minister unwrapped seven books published by the Bangla Academy that include a compilation of the books written by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman titled "Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Rochonabali 1" edited by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President Abdul Hamid-written book "Amar Jibonneeti, Amar Rajneeti", "Karagarer Rojnamcha Path Bishleshon," "Ausomapto Atmojiboni Path Bishleshon," and "Amar Dekha Noya Chin Path Bishleshon," edited by poet Mohammad Nurul Huda and a research-based book on Zila Sahitya Mela 2022 (first part).
Besides, the premier distributed prizes among 15 recipients of the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2022.