M M Jasim :The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela may get momentum today (Saturday) as tens of 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 10:00pm today.At 12:01 am tonight, thousands of barefooted peoplein chorus will sing “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February,” and will pay homage to the Language martyrs.On Friday, just a day before the Ekushey February (21st February), the sale of books at every bookstalls reached its height, publishers said. Visiting the Boi Mela this correspondent witnessed that a large number of readers, mostly youths and students of different colleges and universities, were selecting books of their choice. The children corner also was teeming with readers and visitors. Robin Ahsan, owner of the Srabon Prokashani, said his firm s expecting huge turn out.Lion A N M Mizanur Rahman Chowdhury, Publisher of Mizan Publishers, told The New Nation that he had been happy at the Friday sale proceeds. A student of Jagannath University named Sujaul Islam Suja came to the Boi Mela with his friends and bought five books in order to present his friends on the occasion of the Mother Language Day. Meanwhile, many writers, inckuding Emdadul Haque Milon, are likely to come to the Boi Mela today to attend the book launching programmes, converse with their readers and to give autographs. Meanwhile, 264 new books arrived and covers of 27 new books were unveiled on Friday. A drawing competition was held in the main podium of the Bangla Academy at 10am. Director General of Bangla Academy Shamsuzzaman Khan presided over the function. Of the new books, 48 are storybooks, 31 novels, six essay books, 62 poems, six on research, 27 on children literature, five on biography, six on Liberation War, one on drama, three on Science, two on travel, six on history, three on health, five on science fiction, three on religion, one on translation, two on comic and 46 books on other subjects.The new books arriving at the Boi Mela on Friday were 11 second Swapna by Ekaki Tanvir, Roz Bikeler Bishonna Shomoye by Madhob Ray, Ekjon Aronya Ebong Ami by Narayan Ukil Biplob, Shukh Pakir Shondhane by Belal Hossain, Choray Choray Swadhinota by Tapan Joti Sarker, Pagol, Chagol 0 Gadha by Mostafa Kamal, Fera Hoy Na by Dipu Mahmud, Upamohadesher Ein o Shashoner Etihash by Abdus Salam Mamun, Ekti Bhromoner Bedona by Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam and Neuton Mama o Kalo Bhut by Ali Sarker.The discussion on “Bhasa Sainik Abdul Matin” was held in the main podium of the Bangla Academ in the afternoon. Columnist Syed Abul Maksud presided over the function while Ahmad Mazhar presented the keynote paper. Masuda Bhatti and Mohammad Ali addressed the discussion. A fascinating cultural programme was arranged in the evening. The Bangla Academy will place a floral wrath tonight at the Shahed Minar as a mark of respect to the Language martyrs. At 7am, the reciting programme of self-composed poem will be held with poet Asim Shaha in the chair. In the evening, the discussion on “Vodralok-Rajniti 0 Srinichetonar Aloke Bhasha Andolon will be held in the main podium of the Bangla Academy premises. President of Bangla Academy Emeritus Professor Anisuzzaman will preside over the discussion while its Director General Shamsuzzaman Khan will deliver welcome speech. Ahmad Rafique will also address the programme.
