It is February, and that means ‘tis the season for heading to the book fair.
The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela continues to be a time-honoured and indispensable component of the Bangladeshi literary and cultural scenes.
This year’s book fair commemorates the birth centenary of Bangabandhu, honouring the Father of the Nation alongside the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.
As always, the month-long event will continue to feature a wide array of both local and international authors and litterateurs alike, such as the Indian poet Shankha Ghosh and the Egyptian writer and poet Mohsin Al Arishi.
Even after all these years, the scale and significance of the Ekushey Book Fair remains unique.
The promotion and cultivation of an atmosphere which actively encourages the mingling of free thought and expression not only within the country, but across global borders as well, is undoubtedly one of the fair’s highlights.
The continued turnout at the Boi Mela year after year also shows that even in the era of the internet and fast entertainment, there is a sustained love for, and devotion to books, literature, and culture overall.
The Boi Mela continues to host veterans of our literary scene, and also inspires and encourages those from newer generations wishing to venture into and contribute to our rich literary history.
In an age where freedom of thought, speech, and expression constantly seem to be under attack, the indomitable spirit of the Language Movement is precisely what is needed. As such, it is perhaps more important than ever to nurture and amplify these emerging voices.
