Abir Rayhan :’Amar Ekushey Boi Mela’ experienced a huge turnout of book-lovers on Friday, as it was a holiday and the authorities announced the day as ‘Shishu Prohor’. There was a long queue of the visitors, eager to enter the Bangla Academy and the Suhrawardy Uddyan premises. The queue spread up to the TSC.The book fair witnessed a huge number of children along with their parents. Khairunnahar, a former DU student and a service holder, visited fair with her seven years child. She said, “I visit the fair once in a week. “As today (Yesterday) is Shishu Prohor, I have come to the fair with my child. Now my child is cheerful to see lots of books and different beautiful stalls. The joy of buying new books is worth the hassle,” she continued.Publishing houses did a brisk business yesterday. Books sales are rising day by day as people started buying books, said Shihab Bahadur, Publisher of Muktochinta. On the occasion of Shishu Prohor at 9:30 am a contest titled “ Shishu-Kishore Sangeet Protijogita” was held in the main stage of the Academy. Director General of Bangla Academy Shamsuzzaman Khan presided over the function while Eminent singer Papiya Sarwar was present as the chief guest. Anisur Rahman Tonu, Yakub Ali Khan and Sagorika Jamali were present as Judges. Two hundred and eighty new books landed and twelve books were also unveiled on the Nazrul Manch of the Bangla Academy premises on Friday, the 12th day of Mela.Of them, 45 Story, 43 Novel, 17 Article, 83 Poetry, 3 dissertation, 11 Rhyme, 4 Child Literature, 4 Biography, 11 Liberation War, 3 Science, 4 Excursion, 2 History, 1 Politics, 4 Health, 3 Computer, 2 Puzzle, 2 Religious, 5 Translation, 13 Science Fiction and 20 Miscellaneous.Some of new books are Lal Sarier Meyeati of Sanower Khan Sujon published by Ekushey Bangla, Plato Republic of Aminul Islam Bhuiyan published by Pathok Samabesh, Bangladesher Shahittya Bhasha Andolon of Rafiqul Islam published by Agami Prokashoni, Daminy of Rupel Islam and Dari Comma and Ekti Pakhi of Lopa Kaysar published by Annya Prokash, Bhalobasha Ferey Ferey Ashey of Anis Ahmed published by Muktochinta and Biporit Durbinea of Sheta Shatabdi Prem published by Oitezza, among other books.A discussion titled“ Bangladeshey Nazrul Chorcha: Otiet Thekey Bartoman was held in the main stage of the Academy. Emeritus Professor Rafiqul Islam presided over the function while DU Professor Rafiqullah Khan presented the keynote. Mahbubul Haque, Mohit-ul-Alam and Rezauddin Stalin participated as the discussant. A cultural function was held in the main stage of Academy. The artists were Khalid Hossen, Lili Islam, Nashid Kamal and Salauddin Ahmed, among others.Today (Saturday) the fair time is 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and For celebrating Amar Ekushey a contest titled “ Shishu-Kishore Sadharon Gyan O Upasthit Boktrita” final round will be held at 10:00 am in the main stage of Academy. Sujon Barua, Masum Reza and Shahida Khatun will present as Judges.At 4:00 pm a discussion titled “ Bangladeshey Muktijuddah Charcha: Otiet Thekey Bartoman will be held today (Saturday) in the main stage of Academy. Professor Sanat Kumar Shaha will preside over the function while Professor Mejba Kamal will present the keynote. Professor Syed Anower Hossen, Mohammad Selim and Dibboduti Sarkar will participate in the discussion.At evening, a fascinating cultural function will be held.
