M M Jasim :
The publishers are in frustration at the poor sale of books in this year’s Amar Ekushey Boi Mela due to non-stop blockade and hartal enforced by BNP led 20-party alliance.
They said the book lovers and buyers turn out in the Boi Mela for the last seven is not satisfactory.
Mamun-or-Rashid, owner of Adarsha Prokashani, said “The people want to come to the Mela. But they fear arson attack and bomb blast. The publishers will wait for the book lovers and buyers until the Mela ends.”
Meanwhile, one hundred and ninety eight new books arrived and 10 books were unveiled on Saturday, the 7th day of the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela.
A number of children mostly between eight and 15 flocked to the Amar Kkushey Boi Mela on Saturday as it was the ‘Children Hours’.
Of the new books, 39 are storybooks, 40 novels, eight essay books, 41 poems, seven on research, nine on children literature, four on biography, six on Liberation War, one on drama, three on Science, three on travel, three on politics, two on health, three on religion, four on translation, one on Science Fiction and 37 others.
The new books arriving at the Boi Mela on Saturday were: Jatrar Shesh Shimana by Rezaur Rahman, Suprovat Bishonnota by Hasnat Abdul Hay, Colcatai Bangladesh by Amar Shaha, Kotha Dao Surja by Sheikh Mafjul Islam, Lal Swapna Nil Swapna by Leoaja Akhter, Muktijodhdho o Bangladesh by Bashshar Chowdhury, Bhalobashi Anibar by Dr Parvej Muhith, Tumi Jante Cheyecho Tai by Afrina Parvin, Nak Chaobi by Kazi Labanno, Pakhi Bagan by Rabishangkar Moitree, The Lost Symbol by Sheikh Abdul Hakim, Ek Je Chilo Maharaja by Ranju Sarker, Mullobodher Kabita by Mostafa Tafail, Rokte Veja Bangla by Md Ashraf Ali Chowdhury, Nawsha Bake Chithi by Rabiul Hasan and Tuccha Prem Guccha Protarana by Ummay Muslima.
A discussion on “National Professor Abdur Razzak Jonmosotobarsha” was in the main podium of the Bangla Academy.
Finance Minister Abu Maal Abdul Muhith presided over the function while Professor Salimullah Khan presented the keynote paper.
Mizanur Rahman Sheli and Professor Mesba Kamal discussed there, among others. A fascinating cultural festival was held in the evening.
