Saturday was actually the ‘children’s day at the Ekushey Boimela.
Thousands of them accompanied by their parents landed on the fair ground chanting the historic ekushey song “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February, Amiki Bhulite Pari?
They moved from one corner of the fair to a other to find the books of their choice.
Salman, 6, came from Baridhara with his mother. He told The New Nation, “I feel well. My mother has bought two books (Sheal ar sheal and Bagh Mamar Meyer Biye) for me. I will come here again.”
Maisha Rejwana, 8, came from Mintu Road with her parents. She said, “Excellent place it is. I am happy. Many storybooks are here. I want to stay here for long.”
Sumi Akhter, an official of Dhaka University, said, the environment of the fair was good. The children moved in the fair comfortably. She thanked the Bangla Academy authorities for arranging such programme for the children only.
The publishers were also happy for good sales of children’s books.
Shisu Academy, Muktadhara, Toitombur, Shisuprokash, Progati Publishers, Kishor Bhubon,
Chalantika Boighar, Patabahar and Rongginful arranged special items for the children during on the day.
Storybooks, science fictions, jokes, children’s articles, romantic children’s novels were on top most sales.
A staff of Muktadharah ‘Ridoy’ said, “The children were our honorable guests. We shall welcome them every year.
As yesterday was the public holiday, long queues were seen in the street outside the fair on the day.
One hundred and forty-two new books arrived at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, on the eighth day of the fair. Of them, 16 were storybooks, 27 novels, 14 essay books, 30 poems, one research, one children literature, one biography, five on travel, five on Liberation War, three science fiction, three history, two on health, one on computer, two on translation and 30 on other subjects. The new books are Acharyo Jagadischandra Bashu by Kazi Rehena Masud, Ashcharyo America by Razib Ahmed, Mon Chhue Jay by Kazi Naribar Rahman, Bhalobasha Bhalo Theko by Jewel Ashraf, Bristri Bheja Sei Sokal by Hamidur Rahman, Bhalobashar Rong by Akhter Hossain Ridoy, Ekla Eka Udash Pakhi by Shamsun Nahar, Shunnya Akash r Meghla Nei by Sujit Chandra Shaha, Ekti Banorer Nari Prem by Nasigul Gani, Bichinnatai Ashammati by Sirazul Islam Chowdhury, Sunil 0 Humayun by Childer Hossain, Kalo Dharapat by Ata Sirker, Computer Porichiti by ADM Ali Ahmad, Hat Baralei Lal Sobuj by Manish Ray, Bish Ekusher Chora by Alam Talukder, Ganit Pajol by Mostafa Kamal Biplob, Hoy Ami Thakbo Noito Voot by Sheikh Abdul Hakim, Jibon Juar Bajhi by Sagar Chowdhury, Nij Deshe Porobashi by Major General (Rtd) Khadim Hossain Raja and Juddho 0 Ekti Cycle by Shaon Asgar.
Discussion on “Bangladeshe Rabrindrosongiter Prochar o Proshar ebong Tini Ekjone Wahidul Haque” was held on the main stage of the fair yesterday.
Atiur Rahman presided over the programme while Dipa Bandyapadhya and Mihir Kanti Chowdhury presented two keynote papers. Jamil Chowdhury, Badiur Rahman and Hasan Arif discussed the programme. A fascinating cultural programme was held in the evening participated, among others, by Hiuzzaman Chowdhury, Abdul Wadud, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Azizur Rahman Tuhin, Chhaya Rani Karmaker, Shahnaj Nasrin Ela and Achinto Kumar Hajong.
A discussion on “Ostad Mamtaj Ali Khan” will be held in the main podium of the fair at 4pm today. Poet Asad Chowdhury will preside over the programme while Golam Quddus will present a keynote paper. Babu Rahman, Tapan Bagchi and Syem Rana will be present as the discussants.
