With just days left, visitors reflect on their time at Amar Ekushey Book Fair

A total of 67 new books arrive at the fair on Sunday

Spring is in the air, but with it comes the farewell tune of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, as the event nears its final days.

Sunday marked the 23rd day of the fair, leaving only five more days on the calendar.

Many visitors, aware of the limited time left, expressed their sentiments about the approaching conclusion.

Al Mamun Akash, an engineer from Gazipur, shared his thoughts with bdnews24.com: “I come to the fair every year. This time, I have visited three times. I bought several books, including a Bangla translation of Dan Brown’s work. I don’t think I will be able to come again in the remaining days.”

“The book fair is special. The unity it brings, the bond between writers and readers—that’s why I come. Now, another year’s wait begins,” he added.

Tabassum Islam, a student from Lalmatia Government Women's College, visited the fair with her family.

“The fair is almost over, and I came for the first time today. Now, I feel like I should have come earlier. There are still a few days left, so I might come again if I can manage time,” she said.

Government employee Asma Begum brought her 12-year-old child from Segunbagicha.

“This fair is named after the day when people gave their lives for the Bengali language. I brought my child to help them understand that history. I come every year and wait eagerly for this event,” she said.

FAIR ACTIVITIES

Sunday was the 10th day of Falgun in the Bangla calendar.

As usual, the fair ran from 3pm to 9pm.

According to Bangla Academy, 67 new books were released on Sunday.

At 4pm, a discussion titled Women's Privilege and Responsibility in the July Uprising was held on the main stage.

Mirza Taslima Sultana presented the keynote, while Shaoli Mahbub participated in the discussion.

Rehnuma Ahmed chaired the session.

At the Lekhok Bolchhi stage, authors and researchers Sukomal Barua and Tahmidal Jami spoke about their new books.

The fair also featured a cultural programme, where poets Kazi Anarkoli, Mamun Sarwar, Afsar Nizam, Tasnim Mahmud, Md Aminul Islam, Golam Shafik, Nurul Islam Moni, Maliha Parvin, Matendra Mankin, Mithun Raksam, and Kabir Hossain recited poetry.

There were also performances directed by Saju Ahmed from the cultural organisation Nrityalika Dance Institute, Chhonde Robir Alo and by Farhana Chowdhury Baby from the Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts, or BAFA.

Musical performances were presented by artists Md Mahabubul Islam, Md Anwar Hossain, Sarker Amirul Islam, Hanadu Khanom, Amjad Dewan, Meherun Ashraf, Md Zakir Hossain, Md Swapan Mia, Md Aslam Mia, Alamgir Sarker, Ramisa Chowdhury, Mostak Ahmed, and MM Umme Ruma Trophy.

On Monday at 4pm, the main stage will host a discussion titled Centenary Celebration: Amalendu Biswas.

Saidur Rahman Lipon will present the keynote, with Shahman Moishan joining as a discussant.

Milan Kanti Dey will preside over the session.