At Bangla Academy, there is a notice board where the covers of newly-published books are displayed for readers as is seen on other days in front of the old Bardhaman House building.
Yesterday, at around 4.45 pm, many covers of newly-published books were seen on that board. And surrounding the board was a crowd of readers perusing the covers for new books to buy.
A young girl, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’m just taking a look at the board, as it is an easy way to find the new arrivals here. It provides a quick look at the books that are newly out, and I might want to buy.”
Yesterday alone, 154 books made their debut, an indication that the number of new arrivals is gradually increasing, even as the number of visitors increase. Among the arrivals, there were 30 novels, 28 poetry collections, 15 short story collections, 11 books of articles, nine books of rhymes, two fiction books, seven children’s books, and so on.
This brings the number of newly-published books to a total of 392, as of yesterday.
Abdul Bahar Tamim, a Government Laboratory High School student, along with his parents purchased five books including “All-rounder” by Moni Haydar, “Rongin Chhobite Chhotoder Golpo” by Ahsan Habib, “Chollish Soubhaggo,” and “Iraner Kahini.”
“It was lovely to be able to buy these books. I’m happy with them,” said Tamim yesterday at the book fair.
Stall attendants were seen busy presenting visitors with the newly-published books. But publishers don’t expect too many new purchases yet, as evidenced by the number of visitors with empty hands.
Nabin Adnan, a Dhaka University Fine Arts student, when found strolling through the Shuhrawardy Uddyan section of the fair, said: “I intend to search for the new selections first, and then buy them later in the middle of the fair.”
“I have already found some new books, and bought one,” Nabin added.
Trio-Ayon, a Jagannath University student, Imon, a University of Bangladesh student, and Khairul, a Dhaka University student, had been looking for new books yesterday at Shuhrawardy Uddyan.
Ayon, who bought two Humayun Ahmed novels, told Dhaka Tribune: “I have just made a purchase, though I am still looking for other new ones to add to my list and buy at the fair.”
The case is the same for Imon, who bought one of Zafar Iqbal’s books, and said: “We have time to return to the fair in the days to come, and over the next few days, I expect to buy some new books that interest me.”
Shams Shuvra, owner of Pathak Shamabesh, said the situation did not look well. Sales are not as high as expected, but newly out books are being sold at the same gradual rate as older ones.”
But he hopes that in the upcoming days, there will be more visitors and more purchases made.
Shishu Prohor (Child Hour) and child art contest today:
As is the case every year, this year too, programmes and times for children have been added to four days of the book fair. Today, at 11am, Child Hour begins, and will continue until 2pm. On February 7, 13, and 14, Child Hour will be held at these times.
Fair organisers said: “The Shishu Prohor is open for children and their parents. The children can easily and comfortably buy the books they want, and enjoy their time with games and song.”
Today, at 8:30 am, an art contest for children will begin. Renowned artist Hashem Khan will inaugurate the contest.
