Publishers and visitors at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on its 14th day yesterday were happy following the government decision to extend it till March 17.
The fair saw fewer visitors during the day than on the weekend, but the crowds grew significantly from 5:30pm onwards. Most said they were just browsing and not looking to buy any particular books.
"I work in a private organization," said Zerin Afrin, who arrived at the fair at 6 pm. “I rarely get the opportunity to go somewhere. I came here with my friends after finishing work."
She added that it was her second visit to the fair this year, and she preferred the sparser crowd on weekdays considering Covid-19.
Rubel Ahmed, a student, was also visiting the book fair with his friends. "I thought I wouldn't be able to attend the book fair this year. Thanks to the government for extending it."
He added that he was in the area for other purposes and had come to the fair on a whim.
Arwa Book Corner salesperson Roni Hossain said: “It’s a Monday and people usually start to come around 5:30pm on weekdays as that is when most offices close. Younger visitors usually visit the fair to spend some time, and not their money.”
However, sales at the stalls had been satisfactory and publishers were happy that the fair had been extended, he added.
"The number of customers rises sharply after 6pm on weekdays. It becomes difficult for us to deal with the crowd during that time,” said Rimi Mazumder, sales representative of Tamrolipi.
"We are not getting too many customers because our stall is not at the front," said Himel Ahmed, salesperson for Shobdoshoile Publications. “However, our goal was not to sell books this year. All we wanted was to keep the stall. Next year, new books will be released."
Jagriti Prokashoni owner Razia Rahman also said the stall was not receiving enough customers because it was located behind Little Magazine Chattar.
"We got this place in the lottery. We had no say in this, and this fairground is still being experimented on. There is no specific framework here yet. However, we are pleased that the government has extended the period of the book fair," she added.
"We knew the period would be extended, and we are glad for that," said Jakir Hossen, general manager of Prothoma Prokashoni. “People are flocking to the book fair even with the pandemic, so perhaps we will not suffer any losses this year."
This year's fair is taking place at the grounds of the Bangla Academy and the adjacent Suhrawardy Udyan. The fair was initially scheduled to run from February 15 to 28, but Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to extend it at the request of publishers on Sunday.
State Minister of Cultural Affairs KM Khalid announced the extension yesterday.
