Abir Rayhan :The month-long Amar Ekushey Boi Mela may get momentum today (Sunday) as thousands of people from all walks of life will assemble on the Bangla Academy premises and Suhrawardy Udyan. Publication houses have equipped their stalls with a good number of new books and extra manpower, expecting huge sales.The Bangla Academy authorities have also taken all the preparations to make the Mela a success on the historic 21st February. Extra Law enforcing agencies will be deployed in and around the Boi Mela to meet the emergency.Director General of Bangla Academy Professor Shamsuzzaman Khan said that they would give special focus on this day. On this occasion, the Mela will remain open from 8:00am to 8:00pm today.At 12:01 am tonight, thousands of barefooted people in chorus will sing “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February,” and will pay homage to the Language Martyrs.On Saturday, just a day before the Ekushey February (21st February), the sale of books at every stalls reached its height, publishers said. Visiting the Boi Mela it is witnessed that a large number of readers, mostly youths and students of different universities and colleges, were selecting books of their choice. The children corner also was swarming with readers and visitors. Monjur Hossen, publisher of Jonaki Prokashoni, said that we expecting huge turnout today (Sunday).The publisher of Samhati Prokashon, told The New Nation that he had been happy at the Saturday’s sale proceeds. Hossain Khoka, a 1st year Marketing Dept. student of Jagannath University, came to the Boi Mela with his friends and bought seven books in order to present his friends on the occasion of the Mother Language Day. Meanwhile, many writers, including Muhammad Zafor Iqbal, are likely to come to the Boi Mela today to attend the book launching programmes, converse with their readers and to give autographs.Bangla Academy arrange a self-composed poetry reading event that will be held today (Sunday) at 7:30 am in the main stage of Academy. Poet Asad Chowdhury will preside over the function.Meanwhile, one hundred and thirty-seven new books landed in the Mela yesterday. Of them, 11 books on Story, 20 Novels, 8 Article, 50 Poetry, 6 Rhyme, 10 Child Literature, 2 Biography, 1 Volume, 4 Liberation War, 3 Excursion, 4 History, 1 Politics and 17 Miscellaneous.Some books are Amar Chitra Amar Narail of Annesha Tithy published by Muktochinta, Abul Maal Abdul Muhith Rochonaboli-5 of Abul Maal Abdul Muhit published by Utsho Prokashon, Kobir Kororekha of Al Mahmud published by Suchipatro, Energy Reporting of Tusher Abdullah published by Adarsha, Rodela of Mohammad Hossen published by Ananna and Economy of Bangladesh of Abul Maal Abdul Muhith published by Somoy Prokashon. A discussion titled ‘Bangladeshey Shamajik O Sanskritik Jagoron: Somoshya O Sombhovona was held in main stage of Academy. Kamal Lohani presided over the function while, Mofidul Hoque presented the keynote. Bodiur Rahman, Golam Kuddus and Shuvashis Sinha were present as the discussant.Latter, a cultural program was held in the main stage of Academy. The artist were Fakir Siraz, Farhan Sadik Khan Sami and Abdul Motin, among others.At 4:00 pm a lecture program titled ‘ will be held today (Sunday) in the main stage of Academy. Professor emeritus Anisuzzaman will preside over the function while, Shamsuzzaman Khan, Director General of Bangla Academy will provide the welcome speech. Sociologist Anupom Sen will present the keynote titled ‘Abason: Bishwa O Bangladeshey’. At evening a fascinating cultural function will be held.
