Dhaka, Dec 14 (bdnews24.com) – The Dhaka International Book Fair kicks off Monday with up to 200 stalls showcasing local and foreign publishers.
The Dhaka Book Fair is held annually, but this year marks the first time it goes international with foreign participants, cultural affairs secretary Sharful Alam said Sunday.
Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed is expected to inaugurate the 15-day fair being held at the Dhaka University sports ground.
Alam said 150 out of 200 stalls for the fair have already been allocated among government, semi-government, autonomous, private and foreign organisations, embassies, libraries and foreign publishers.
Of the foreign participants, the largest number of participants is from India, he said.
Chief information officer Iftekhar Hossain and cultural affairs joint secretary Mahmudur Rahman were present among others at the briefing.
Indian partcipants include Book Trust of India, Shishu Sahitya Sangsad, Biswabharati Publication Department, Dey's Publishing House, Mitra and Ghose Publishers, Punascha Prakashani, Sunrise Publishers. Ananda Publishers from Calcutta has also expressed interest to join the event, said Sharful.
Children's Publications from Pakistan, the Iran Cultural Centre, the cultural wing of the Chinese embassy, the British Council, Save The Children and World Bank Dhaka office will also be among the participants.
The secretary also said the fair will provide 25 per cent concession on books to encourage visitors. Awards will be given to the publisher of the 'Best Book' and organisation with the 'Best Sales'.
The fair remains open from 11 am to 8 pm everyday, with an entry fee of just Tk 5.
The location of the fair was changed this year from Agargaon to the university, Sharful Alam said, in expectation of bigger crowds.
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