While the fair see new arrivals every day, some have caught the attention of more readers than others have, especially Muhammad Zafar Iqbal’s science fiction novel, Serina.
Besides Iqbal’s novel, some other books to have caught the readers’ eye include “Sheikh Mujib Amar Pita,” “Apon Chokhe Bhinno Chokhe,” “Bikkhober Dingulite Prem,” “Ghetuputra Kamala,” “Rokkha Koro Hey Bhoirob,” “Toronger Osthir Noukay,” and a translation of the Iliad, said their respective publication houses.
In the early hours of the fair, yesterday, when this correspondent was browsing through the pavilion of Somoy Prokashan’s, he saw a moderate number of booklovers, especially the youth, asking for “Serina.”
In the seven or eight minutes he spent at Somoy Prokashan, the correspondent learned that at least 11 copies of the book had been sold.
“The fourth edition of “Serina” is now available, and the fifth edition is expected to hit the fair soon,” said Anisur Rahman, an attendant of this stall.
Though busy serving customers, Rahman told Dhaka Tribune: “Each edition contains 5,000 copies of “Serina.”
“Sheikh Mujib Amar Pita” by Sheikh Hasina, available at the Agamee Prakashani stall, has drawn a good number of readers. According to the stall’s attendants, the second edition of this biography about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is available, as the first edition had sold out earlier.
Mithila Osman of Agamee Prakashani said Sheikh Mujib Amar Pita is one of the top sellers.
“Apon Chokhe Bhinno Chokhe,” a biography on Bangladeshi cricket giant Shakib Al Hasan, by Debbrata Mukerjee, is on offer by Oitijjo.
“This book is one of our best sellers, along with some others,” said Oitijjo director Amjad Hossain Kajol.
Prothoma Prakashan has available at the fair Anisul Hoque’s new novel, “Bikkhober Dingulite Prem.” This book has drawn a good number of readers as well, said the stall’s attendants yesterday.
They added, though the first edition is still available, the novel is still being sold well, when compared to our overall sales.
Pronoy Das, an attendant at the stall, said to Dhaka Tribune: “Sales of the translated epic, Iliad, are satisfactory. In fact, Homer’s “Iliad” has drawn the most readers, and is our best seller here.”
“Ghetuputra Kamala,” a cine-script by Humayun Ahmed, has also drawn many readers to Anonya Prakash, according to its stall attendants.
“Rokkha Koro Hey Bhoirob,” a poetry collection by Nirmalendu Goon and “Toronger Osthir Noukay,” Syed Shamsul Haque’s poetry collection, are available at the stalls of Bibhas Prakashan and Shudhashar, respectively.
Attendants at the stalls shared similar stories about their sales, that in 23 days, sales have been quite decent.
However, the number of visitors is increasing, as the fair is on the verge of coming to an end. With 99 new arrivals yesterday, the number of new arrivals now stands at 3,052.
