Abir Rayhan :
At least two thousand and eight hundred thirty-seven new books arrived at the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela till Thursday, 25th day of the Mela.
Of them, 7 books on February 2, 63 on February 3, 93 on February 4, 256 on February 5, 155 on February 6, 118 on February 7, 75 on February 8, 110 on February 9, 105 on February 10, 131 on February 11, 280 on February 12, 135 on February 13, 93 on February 14, 84 on February 15, 84 on February 16, 140 on February 17, 94 on February 18, 236 on February 19, 137 on February 20, 210 on February 21, 64 on February 22, 93 on Feb 23, and 74 on February 25.
Director General of Bangla Academy Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan told The New Nation that it is positive that the writers are trying to express their thinking. He, however, admitted that the quality of the books is decreasing day by day though some standard books arrive at the Boi Mela every year.
The starting time of Mela today is 10:30 am as Bangla Academy Authority announced the day as Shishu Prohor. Bangla Academy Authority will give prize to the winners of Children-Youth painting, Anthem, General-Knowledge and Instant speech competition at 10:00 am. Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan Director General of Bangla Academy will preside over the function, while Cultural Affair Minister Asaduzzaman Nur, MP, will present as the chief guest. Meanwhile, seventy-four new books arrived at Amar Ekushey Boi Mela on Thursday. Four new books also were unveiled on Nazrul Mancha of the Bangla Academy.
Of the new books, 11 are storybooks, 11 novels, 3 essay, 24 poems, 3 Rhyme, 1 Liberation War, 1 Science, 2 Excursion, 2 Health, 2 Puzzle, 1 Translation, 2 Science fiction and 11 books on other subjects.
The new books are including, Onibarjer Onuron of Mita Ali published by Juktoprokash, Aldorado of Rowshon Ara Mukta published by Oitezza, Kobitay Muktijuddha of Sujat Mansur published by Utsho Prokashon, Juddey Jaboey of Harun Rashid published by Suchipatro and Tezpatar Aronney of Rob Shett published by Bhashachitra, among other books.
A discussion titled `Bangladeshe Nari Jagoran: Samoshya and Samvabona’ was held in the main stage in the Academy. Begum Aktari Momtuj presided over the function, while Masuduzzaman presented the keynote. Maleka Begum, Sultana Kamal and Muhammad Shahid uz Zaman were present as the discussant.
Later, a fascinating cultural function was held in the main stage of Academy. At 4:00 pm a discussion titled `2021 Shaaler Bangladesh’ will be held today (Friday) in the main stage of Academy. Professor A K Azad Chowdhury will preside over the function, while Economist Mohammad Farashuddin will present the keynote. Khondaker Ibrahim Khaled, Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and Rashid Askari will participate in the discussion. At evening, a cultural program will be held in the main stage of Academy.
