Eminent writer Dr Muhammed Zafar Iqbal is still the fan-favourite when it comes to science fiction books.
Readers interested in science fiction books always look for Muhammed Zafar Iqbal’s works more than any other writers, according to publishers at the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela.
Abu Hossain was buying his 11-year-old daughter Titli Ebong Tituni, a science fiction novel by Muhammed Zafar Iqbal from Kakali Publication.
He told Dhaka Tribune: “Kids are naturally creative and imaginative. We can spark their interest in science if we give them science fiction books to read.”
He said science fiction books can nurture children’s imagination better.
Rejaul Karim, a stall attendant of Kakali Publication told Dhaka Tribune that the science fiction genre is now synonymous with Muhammed Zafar Iqbal in Bangladesh.
“Most readers do not just look for any science fiction book: they ask for Muhammed Zafar Iqbal’s science fiction,” Karim told the correspondent, adding that this year Titli Ebong Tituni by Muhammed Zafar Iqbal is the top-selling science fiction till now.
Alongside Muhammed Zafar Iqbal’s sci-fi books, a graphic novel adaptation of his science fiction book Ruhan Ruhan has high demand among buyers as well.
Dhaka Comics, a comic book stall at Suhrawardy Udyan, has sold around 500 copies of Ruhan Ruhan at the book fair.
Comic book lovers can get a copy for Tk135 only.
A small publication house, Annoy Publication published several science fiction items in this year’s fair, including Icaruser Dana by Yunus Ahmed, and Ondho Makorsha by Shahed Iqbal which are both selling well.
Books related to science are in high demand among young readers at the book fair as well.
Akhter Hossain, a stall attendant of Bigyan Academy, told Dhaka Tribune that they do not have any science fiction, although their publication house sells science related books.
“Young readers, mostly between 10 to 18 years of age are interested in buying scientific books which are full of experiments. They ask for illustrated math books also,” he said.