Unlike in previous years, Amar Ekushey Book Fair authorities have not yet taken steps to curb rule violations as of the 11th day of the fair.
The last few years saw the fair committee conduct a drive against stalls that breached regulations by selling books published abroad and selling titles published by other publishers at their stalls.
The Dhaka Tribune learned last week many stalls had been selling books published by foreign publishers, as well as pirated books and titles sold by other publishers from the start of the month-long fair.
We are in a worse position, as the fair committee has grown lax in monitoring it, said a publisher and fair committee member.
According to Article 6.1 of the Fair Regulations 2015, participating institutions can sell books printed and published in Bangladesh, while according to Article 6.5, no parti- cipating institutions and bodies are allowed to sell books of other publishing houses.
Fair committee Member Secretary Dr Jalal Ahmed said they were planning to hold a drive against errant organisations at the earliest possible. “We will launch a drive very soon,” he said.
Manjurur Rahman, chief of the copyright task force, said they would look into whether the stalls were selling pirated books.
Publishers and fair committee members said at least 50 stalls were selling books of foreign publishers, especially from India, and pirated books and titles published by others.
“We demand putting an end to these errant stalls,” said Osman Gani, president of Academic and Creative Publishers Association of Bangladesh.
Dr Ahmed, however, said the fair committee had visited several stalls on February 3 and warned several stalls for breaching guidelines.
On February 3, they found Holy Publishers, Shishu Prakash, Shishu Ghar, Phoolki, Rangin Phool, Boipoka, Reza Publishers, Gyan Bitoroni, Brataman Samay, Muktadesh, Magnum Opus, Ilma Publications, Trinolata Prakash, Purba Prakashani, Shila Prakashan, Shamim Publishers, Shaily Prakashan, Aguntok, Oikya, Alpona Prakashani, Gana Prakashani and others were selling pirated books and books published by others.
The fair committee cautioned 25 stalls to stop selling pirated books and books of other publications immediately; otherwise their stall would be closed down, said fair officials.
With 107 new titles joining the fair, the total number of new books stands at 1,371.
Despite these issues, the book fair continued to be an exciting place for book lovers on day 11. The excitement is expected to continue with the start of Falgun tomorrow and Valentine’s Day after.