M M Jasim :Humayun Ahmed is still alive in the minds of book lovers as the thousands of people throng the Boi Mela everyday to buy the books of popular Bengali fiction writer. And so, the sale of Humayun’s books is unbeaten till the date. Stakeholders in the country’s publication industry also admit that the Boi Mela becomes vigorous especially due to Humayun’s books. They say that the vacuum created by popular writer Humayun Ahmed’s death cannot be easily filled.Humayun created many new readers and took the sector a long way in the last three decades, they noted.Meanwhile, the books of Humayun are also ranks top position on the basis of sale. Although the presence of the book lovers in the Boi Mela this year is less than the last year, the crowd situation always prevails at the stalls where Humayun’s books are available. Humayun’s books remain as fascination. Visiting the Boi Mela this correspondent found that a good number of book lovers were buying books of Humayun at the stall of Anya Prokash, Kakoli Prokashani, Ananya Prokashani, Annesha Prokashani, Anupom Prokashani, Oboshor Prokashani, Mawla Brothers and Shomoy Prokashani. The publishers and executives of these publishing houses said that Humayun’s books are the best sale this year’s Boi Mela also. They said that Dewal, Moddhaha, Himu Dosh, Humayun Rachanabali, Badal Diner Ditio Kadam Ful, Michir Ali and Sera Humayun are selling the best. Humayun’s other bestselling novels are Shonkhonil Karagar, Rajani, Epitaph, Pakhi Amar Ekla Pakhi, Fera, ‘Nishad, Daruchini Dwip, Nirbason, ‘Omanush, ‘Rupali Dwip, Shuvro, Dure Kothao, Mandrasaptak, ‘Badsha Namdar, Sajghar, Basor and Nripati.Kakoli Prokashoni Publishers Nasir Uddin Ahmed Selim told The New Nation that Humayun’s death dealt a big blow to the publication industry. But he created many new readers. That is why his books are also on the top of selling. Kiron Ahmed of Anya Prokash said that Humayun’s books were invariable bestsellers at Ekushey book fairs for many years. Executive of Oboshor Masud Rana said, “Humayun Ahmed dominated the literary field for 30 years. Now he is no more physically but his books dominated in the Boi Mela. “I am the fan of Humayun Ahmed. I read all the books of him. I am getting pleasure to read his books. I also get inspiration and learning more from his books. I also bought at least sixty books of Humayun. I miss him very much,” Shamsunnahar Sathi, a third year student of Sociology of Dhaka University, said. “I feel well to read the books of Humayun Ahmed. It is difficult to leave his books after starting reading. It is just like music. I bought two books named Dewal and Moddhaha today. It is our bad luck that we lost him,” Ikbal Hossain, a banker, said. Meanwhile, one hundred and twenty new books arrived and 11 cover of the books were unveiled on Tuesday on the 17th day of the Boi Mela. Of the new books, 17 are storybooks, 17 novels, eight essay books, 30 poems, four on research, nine children literature, three on Science, one on travel, two on religion, two on science fiction and 21 books on other subjects. The new books arriving at the Boi Mela on Tuesday were: Bhromon Kahiny by Kamal Chowdhury, Surja Sena by Nazma Arefin, Vashar Jonno Jibon Dhonno by Aslam Sani, Wridoyer Pushpapate Golpakotha by Noni Gopal Sarker, Premmomoy o Tapit Jibon by Rayhan Ahmed, Shamner Prithibi by M Rahmat Ullah, Amar Dekha Shrestho Bashanto by Fazlul Bari, Vasha Andoloner Etikotha by Dr Mizan Rahman, Mohakaler Nakkhatra Porichoy by Sowmen Shaha, Ekattorer Guerrilla by Jahirul Islam, Dolbajir Sangbadikota by Tushar Abdullah, Dr Mahathir’s Selected Letter’s to World Leaders by Mahuul Islam, Elomelo Chintabhabna by Major (Rtd) Sudhir Shaha, Muktijoddher Protodin March-December 1971 by Nuruzzaman Manik, Ganika Pronam by Rashed Rahman, Novonil Sei Meye by Masud Jaman, Ovajoner Mohabharot by Mahbub Lilen, Utshorgo Jolantike by Anik Hawlader, Voot o Goenda Mukhomukhi by Barun Kumar Biswas and The Piangnist by Khurram Mamtaz. A discussion on “Artist Quiyyum Chowdhury” was held in the main podium of the Bangla Academy in the afternoon. Artist Samarjit Roy Chowdhury presided over the function while Artist Rafiqun Nabi presented a keynote paper. Mofidul Haque, Moinuddin Khaled and Sajjad Sharif addressed the discussion. A fascinating cultural programme was held in the evening. The discussion on “Architect Syed Mainul Hossain” will be held in the main podium of the Bangla Academy today (Wednesday). Mustafa Monwar will preside over the function while Mobassher Hossain will present a keynote paper. Shamsul Wares, Rabiul Hossain and Tanjima Hossain will join the discussion.
