Shishu Prohor returns to Book Fair after gap year

Shishu Prohor, or Children's Hour, returned to the Amar Ekushey Book Fair yesterday after skipping last year’s edition due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Shishu Prohor started at 11:30am and ended at 1pm, much to the joy of publishers and sellers of children's books at the Shishu Chattar.

The event was set to be cancelled this year as well, which is why it was not held on the first weekend of the fair, but the organizers reversed their decision after the government recently relaxed Covid-19 restrictions. Many children and teenagers were elated to take advantage of the opportunity.

Several young readers were seen taking pictures with characters from the popular children’s show Sisimpur.

Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Manha Mamun was visiting the fair with her parents for the first time. She said: “I watched them (Sisimpur characters) on television but today I played with them and enjoyed it a lot.”

Alimun Araf, a grade 3 student, said: “I wanted to meet with Ikri, Halum last year but they didn’t come. I felt sad, but today I’m happy to meet them again.

“My parents bring me here every year. I bought a lot of books, like before,” he added.

His Father Alimun Rahman said: “In this city, there is no breathing space for the children. In that case, this Shishu Prohor is really a good initiative for the enjoyment of the children. Through this program, they feel inspired to read books, which is very important for their mental growth.”

He thanked the organizing committee of the book fair for bringing the program back.

Mahmud Hossain Opu/Dhaka Tribune

Layla Akter, a mother to twin daughters, said: “During the pandemic, everything has been running well in our country. So, the government should also extend the duration of the book fair and continue Shishu Prohor. To enrich the knowledge of the next generation, there is no alternative to the book fair.”

Tariqul Islam, a salesperson at the Sisimpur stall, said: "Today, our sales doubled from the usual as parents are bringing their children for the Sisimpur characters. I did duty last year at this stall and witnessed that children and parents didn’t enter at the Shishu Chattar that much. But today, people of all ages are coming and purchasing the books.”

Arif Hossain, another salesman, said: “If the environment goes on like this, then we will be able to sell most of the books this year and won’t face losses like last year.”