Rayhanul Islam :
At least five hundred and twenty two new books on poems landed this year during the first fifteen days of the Boi-Mela. But the sale of these books is not satisfactory, said the publishers.
Book-lovers are in general search for the books of poets like Kazi Nazrul Islam, Rabindranath Tagore, Jibanananda Das and Ruddro Muhammad Shahidullah. The readers of classic poems is very poor, they said.
The publishers said that most of the book lovers who come to the Boi Mela are young. They search for novel, story, science fiction, historic books and books on travel, but do not respond to poems. On the special days like Pahela Falgun and Valentine’s Day, the book lovers came to buy some books on romantic poems. But its number was not satisfactory, they said.
Robin Ahmed, Publisher of Shrabon publication told The New Nation that the poems of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam have specific theme. Rabindranath Tagore wrote emphasizing the contemporary period and romanticism and Kazi Nazrul Islam wrote against the then British role, oppression and inhumanity.
But now the writers who write poem have no theme and the writing is not rich. That is why the readers have lost their interest to buy the books on poem, Rabin said.
“I have read all the poems of Kazi Nazrul Islam, Rabindranath Tagore, Jibanananda Das, Shamsur Rahman and other noted poets’. I buy at least twenty or thirty books on different subjects at every year’s Boi Mela. But last five years I did not buy books on poem from Boi Mela. Because, now poems of new writers do not maintain proper quality. They do not know what should be the perfect theme of poem,” Rakib Khandoker, lecturer of a private College said.
On, the 15th day of fair, 143 new books landed in the fair yesterday. Of them, 15 were Story books, 25 Novel, 7 Article, 52 Poetry, 5 Thesis, 5 Rhyme, 4 Child Literature, 1 Biography, 2 Liberation War, 2 Excursion, 1 History and 20 Miscellaneous.
Some of new books are “The Art of War” of San Zuu translated by Sabedin Ibrahim published by Oitezza publication, “FIXI” of Anis Ahmed published by Muktochinta, “Bangabandhu O Bangladesh” of Selina Hossen published by Mawola Brathers, “Bishmoyer Bishopoth” of Hanif Sonket published by Anonna publication and “Oboshese Rat Pohalo” of Nadir Hossen published by Kakoli publication, among other books.
A discussion titled “Samor Sener Jonmo Shato Barshiki” was held at 4:00 pm in the main stage of Academy. Ahmad Rafiq presided over the function, while Professor Begum Akter Kamal presented the keynote paper. Abul Hasnat, Professor Rafiqullah Khan and Piash Majid participated as the discussants.
Later, a cultural function was held in the main stage of Academy.
At 4:00 pm, a discussion titled “Sattur Dashoker Kobita” will be held today (Thursday) in the main stage of Academy. Asim Shaha will preside over the function, while Mojibul Haque Kabir will present the keynote paper. Ikbal Hossain and Khaled Hossain will participate in the discussion.
At evening, a facinating cultural function will be held.
