Bangladesh is widely recognised for hosting the world’s largest book fair, ‘Ekushey Boi Mela’, every year marking the International Mother Language Day. But the world knows little that the country also hosts over 40 more book fairs across the country throughout the year.
Book fairs, passionate book reading and giving books as gifts are gradually growing in Bangladesh, a country the literacy of which is still far below 80 percent, said experts.
Talking to UNB, National Professor Dr Anisuzzaman, Dhaka University Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury, Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam and Bangla Academy Director General Habibullah Sirazi said book fairs are playing a significant role in increasing both the readers and writers and building a knowledge-based society in this era of social media.
They urged the private and public universities to focus on research and publications and join different book fairs to create quality readers in the country.
According to Bangladesh Gyan and Srijonshil Prokashak Samiti (BGSPS), over 40 book fairs are now being arranged across the country every year apart from the Ekushey one as the number of book buyers are gradually growing.
After the Ekushey Book Fair, BGSPS vice president Mohammad Gafur Hossain said the Cultural Affairs Ministry and Department of Public Libraries are going to arrange 12 book fairs in different divisions.
Besides, he said, BGSPS and different other organisations also hold nearly 30 book fairs in different districts round the year. “The number of book fairs is increasing gradually with people’s overwhelming response.”
Gafur, also the owner of Rhythm Prakashan Sangstha, said the country’s renowned publication houses are also joining book fairs in different countries, including the USA, the UK, Germany, China, Japan, India and Turkey. “Around 20 Bangladeshi publication houses join a book fair in New York, USA last year. Our many publication houses also participate in many book fairs in India’s different places.”
Prof Anisuzzaman said it is encouraging that the number of readers and writers is increasing in the country.
“Ekushey Book Fair is witnessing an increasing number of booklovers every year. The sale of books is also increasing regularly. Many other book fairs are also being held in the country evoking a good response. It’s a very good sign that the number of readers and writers are on the rise,” he observed.
Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury said book fairs are working as means of campaign and publicity of books which is very necessary to create readers.
“It’s very positive that book fairs are getting popularity in the country. At the same time, we need more bookshops and libraries in all cities and district towns,” he observed.
