In observance of International Mother Language Day and Martyrs' Day, the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela opened its gates at 7am on Friday to accommodate visitors and readers paying tribute at the Shaheed Minar, but the presence of visitors and readers remained sparse.
Sellers hoped that the crowd would increase in the afternoon, leading to better book sales.
An on-site visit revealed a mostly empty Boi Mela.
A few visitors were strolling around, while some were taking pictures. Meanwhile, stall workers were spending idle hours.
Farzana, who was present at the Arjon Prokashoni stall, said: "There are fewer people now. But as the day progresses, the crowd will grow."
She added: "Today is International Mother Language Day. People are more focused on paying their respects at the Shaheed Minar. That is why there are fewer visitors here. However, we expect the fair to be lively in the afternoon."
Raj Md Raji from Sahitya Prokashon echoed the sentiment, saying: "Today is Language Day. People are busy offering flowers at the Shaheed Minar, so the turnout at the Boi Mela is low. But we anticipate a larger crowd in the afternoon.
"Not everyone visiting the Shaheed Minar will come to the Boi Mela. Many political groups also gather there for various programs. Once their activities conclude, they usually leave. Typically, more people visit the fair in the afternoon to buy books. We are hopeful that the crowd will increase later in the day."
Asif, a student from City College, mentioned that he and his friends had come to the Shaheed Minar first and then decided to visit the Boi Mela.
He had visited before and purchased a book on the July uprising, as he was involved in that movement and wanted to read about it.