Rayhanul Islam Abir :
The popular fiction writer Humayun Ahmed although died eight years ago, his books at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2020, remain top-sellers.
The books that Humayun Ahmed wrote towards the end of his life are particularly in high demand.
Publishers said that “Deyal,” the last book written by the writer published before his death, was their all-time best seller.
A number of enthusiastic fans visited the fair dressed as famous characters from his novels. Misir Ali and Himu are among the favourites for the youth.
Siyam Shuvo a visitors and fan of Humayun Ahmed told The New Nation, “In his writings, we could see our dreams. I visit the book fair at least once a year out of love for his writing. Every year since his death, I have gifted one of his books to a friend. This is how I remember him.”
Sumaiya Akhter Rupa a student of Dhaka University said, “Many of my university friends tease me, calling me Himu’s lover, because I love wearing blue sharis on all occasions. This year, I bought Humayun Ahmed’s book ‘Lilabotir Mrityu,’ which was published from his manuscripts after his death.”
The stall of Anya Prokash, which published most of Humayun Ahmed’s books, was popular among his fans. ‘We faced a huge gathering of book lovers everyday for Humayun Ahmed books. The demand of his books are rising day by day’, Anya Prokash Public Relations Officer Alauddin Tipu said. The writer born in 1948, he authored over 200 books, many of which were best sellers, while eight were made into films. He was not only a writer, but a dramatist, screenwriter, film-maker, song writer, scholar, and lecturer as well. He won the Bangla Academy Award in 1981, Ekushey Padak in 1994, and three National Film Awards. He passed away in 2012 after a nine-month battle against colon cancer.
A total of 1,442 new titles have been released in the first 11 days of this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair, including 248 novels, 422 poetry compilations, 190 short stories, and 90 essay books.
A discussion titled “Bangabandhu and Film” was organized on the 11th day of the fair on Wednesday, followed by a cultural program.
Sajedul Auwal delivered the keynote speech, while Morshedul Islam, Muhammad Mojammel Haque and Anupom Hayat attended the discussants. Nasir Uddin Yousuf chaired the function.
