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Published : 28 Feb 2026, 12:00 AM
The Amar Ekushey Book Fair has blossomed into a lively hub of rhythmic verses and intellectual chatter as bibliophiles descend upon the Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan.
What began as a chorus of children’s laughter in the morning transformed into an evening of soulful melodies and poetic resonance.
Visitors flocked to the stalls on the second day of the event to browse through new releases and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Atiq Rahman and Anisa Mehrin, who travelled from Moghbazar, spent the afternoon moving from stall to stall, taking photographs and preparing a list of books to buy.
Speaking outside the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro stall, Atiq said the fair had started slightly later than usual this year.
He visits every year, compiles a list of new releases during the first week and buys most of his books in the final week, though he occasionally makes immediate purchases if something stands out.
Anisa said there had been doubts about whether the fair would be held at all this year, and she felt relieved and happy that it was finally under way.
From 9:30am, a children’s drawing competition filled the fairgrounds with colour, followed at 10:30am by the preliminary round of a children’s recitation contest on the main stage.
Many parents accompanied their children to take part in the cultural competitions.
Between 11am and 1pm, the fair observed “Shishu Prohor”, a dedicated children’s hour.
The gates remained open from 11am until 9pm.
A puppet show by Kakatuya Puppet Theatre drew particular attention at the children’s corner. Young Ruponti, who attended with her mother, said she was delighted by the performance.
Her mother, Sabikun Nahar Shapla, said Ruponti thoroughly enjoyed the show.
She recalled hearing from her own father about traditional puppet dances at village fairs, something she had never seen before, and said watching the performance brought her joy.
As the sun mellowed, the crowds thickened, though the usual holiday frenzy remained somewhat subdued.
Visitors who did attend appeared to stroll at leisure, browsing without rush.
Siamul Haque, a sales executive at Laboni Prokashoni, said navigating through packed crowds can often be inconvenient.
In that sense, he found the turnout satisfactory.
People are coming, he said, adding that the fair has only just begun and usually takes a few days to reach full swing.
With Friday falling on the second day, he felt the fair was already picking up momentum.
A walk across the grounds showed that construction work at several stalls was still incomplete.
In some corners, wooden frames were being assembled; in others, artists were painting murals inspired by the Language Movement.
At Chhapa Khana Prokashoni, books were being sold on one side while an artist painted motifs of Feb 21 and the national flag on the other.
Artist Maisha Mobashwera, busy painting the stall walls, said the aim was to create decor that would draw readers in, even if only for a brief visit.
Remembering Farida Parveen
At 3pm, the main stage hosted a discussion titled “In Remembrance: Farida Parveen”.
Mohammad Romel presented a paper, with Abu Ishaq Hossain joining the discussion.
The session was presided over by poet and thinker Farhad Mazhar.
Romel described Farida as a singular figure in Bangladesh’s music scene, devoted to her craft from childhood. Though she explored various genres, she became most widely known for Lalon songs.
The spiritual depth and philosophical resonance of Lalon’s music transformed her as an artist, he said, adding that her contribution to popularising Lalon among all sections of society remains undeniable.
“Her distinctive voice will keep her alive for future generations,” Romel said.
Ishaq said Lalon’s songs travelled far beyond the country through Farida’s voice.
“Through her voice, Lalon’s songs have reached both domestic and international listeners. Beyond Lalon, her contribution to patriotic and modern Bengali music is indispensable,” he added.
“Discussing Farida Parveen during the Language Month is highly relevant,” said Mazhar.
“The emotional power of Lalon’s songs touched her heart, and through her singing, Lalon comes alive for us anew.”
The session “Lekhok Bolchi” or Writers’ Talk also featured Mazhar discussing his new book.
New Releases
According to the fair’s public relations wing, 16 new books were unveiled on the second day.
Bangla Academy brought a research work titled “Post-colonial Consciousness in the Poetry of Bangladesh” by the late Jahangirnagar University professor Himel Barkat.
Kothaprokash released “Jotshamanya” by Ahmad Mostofa Kamal.
Pathak Samabesh published a compilation of significant writings from Shikha Patrika, edited by Abul Ahsan Chowdhury, under the title “Shikha”.
Agami released the seventh edition of Khurshid Alam’s “Classical and Modern Theories of Sociology”.
Mowla Brothers brought out Selim Jahan’s “Society, State and Economy: Bangladesh Perspective”.
Songs, Recitations, Performances
At 4pm, poets Abdul Hye Shikder and Hasan Hafiz recited poetry at the cultural segment.
Recitations were also delivered by Nurul Hasnat Jilan, Ashraful Hasan Babu, Ariful Hasan and Seema Islam.
Musical performances followed by artistes Alam Ara Minu, Chhanda Chakraborty, Indira Rudra, Nafiza Ibnat Kabir, Mirajul Jannat Sonia and Parvin Lipi.
They were accompanied by Shimul Barua on tabla, Rajib Ahmed on keyboard, Md Mezbah Uddin on octopad and Pallab Das on bass guitar.
Cultural Competitions
The children’s drawing contest at 9:30am saw participation from 540 contestants in Group A, 620 in Group B and 245 in Group C.
The event was inaugurated by Prof Azharul Islam Sheikh, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University.
At 10:30am, the preliminary round of the children’s recitation competition was held on the main stage.
Participation stood at 210 in Group A, 279 in Group B and 97 in Group C.
The event was opened by Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam.
What’s on Saturday
On Saturday, the fair will run from 11am to 9pm, with “Shishu Prohor” scheduled between 11am and 1pm.
The preliminary round of the children’s music competition will begin at 10:30am at the fairgrounds.
At 3pm, the main stage will host a discussion. A cultural event is set for 4pm.
