The spirit of spring and Valentine's Day has created a festive atmosphere, painting the book fair in vibrant hues. However, the essence of spring had already touched the Ekushey Book Fair the day before. As the gates opened at 3 pm, elegantly dressed visitors began arriving in groups.
Women of all ages—teenagers, young adults, and homemakers—were seen wearing sarees in bright shades of yellow and orange, reflecting the colours of spring. At the entrance, vendors displayed seasonal flowers like marigolds and roses, from which visitors picked floral garlands and rings to complete their festive look.
Men, too, embraced the occasion, wearing brightly coloured Punjabi or outfits coordinated with their partners, adding to the lively ambience of the fair.
A Colorful and Festive Friday at the Book Fair
On Friday (February 14), the fair became even more vibrant from the morning. Since it was a holiday, both Spring Festival and Valentine’s Day were being celebrated together. The fair opened at 11 am with a dedicated "Children's Hour," lasting until 1 pm. However, due to the observance of Shab-e-Barat, the fair will conclude earlier at 7:30 pm instead of the usual 9 pm.
The previous day, not only was the fair filled with the colours of early spring, but book sales also saw a notable rise. Among the visitors was Dr Shafiqur Rahman, the Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, who toured several stalls in the evening. Speaking to journalists, he praised the enthusiastic participation of readers from all age groups, describing the event as truly festive.
Encouraging young people to develop a reading habit, he wished for the well-being of all. Accompanying him were Dhaka Metropolitan South Ameer Nurul Islam, Secretary Dr. Shafiqul Islam Masud, and Islami Chhatra Shibir’s central president, Zahidul Islam, along with other party leaders and activists.
New Books Enrich the Fair
A total of 85 new books were released at the fair yesterday. Some of the notable titles include:
- Rup Naraner Kule, a collection of stories by Ahmad Mostafa Kamal (Kotha Prokash)
- Tabu Amra Jege Thakbo, a poetry collection by Altaf Shahnewaz (Oitijjhya)
- Jekhane Simanto Tomar, a novel by Khandakar Swanan Shahriar (Prothoma)
- Uritache Sonar Ghora, a young adult novel by Moni Haidar (Panjeri)
- Aguner Khela O Onnanno Golpo, featuring works by 20th-century writer
- Fazlur Bari Chowdhury, edited by Abul Ahsan Chowdhury (Pathak Samabesh)
Dr Selim Reza, Secretary of Bangla Academy and convener of the book fair's task force noted that while sales have been moderate, the release of new books continues at a steady pace.
On February 12 alone, 91 new books were registered at the fair's information centre.
Some of the key releases include:
- Adhunikotabad O Jibonanonder Jibonotkontha, an essay by Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque (Bangla Research)
- Bishoy Dostoevsky, a compilation and translation by Mashiul Alam (Mowla Brothers)
- Abiskarer Kahini, a science book by Abul Bashar (Prothoma)
- Dohoshi Jibon, an autobiographical work by Anowara Syed Haq (Oitijjhya)
- Ratarguler Chhata, an environmental study by Partha Pratim Nath (Chaitanya)
- Mogolnama, a historical novel about the Mughal emperors by Mahmudur Rahman (Ahmad Publishing House)
- Joler Calligraphy, a poetry collection by Sanjay Dewan (Avijan)
- Amake Tumi Dar Korie Diecho Biplober Samne, a poetry collection by Farhad Mazhar (Agamee)
- Sundarboner Prani Boichitro, a book on biodiversity by Mrityunjoy Ray (Anupam)
- Ami Satya Kotha Bolte Chai, a children’s storybook (Mayurpankhi)
- Karin, a novel by Afzal Hossain (Jagriti)
With the energy of spring and the warmth of love in the air, the book fair continues to be a centre of celebration, literature, and cultural enthusiasm.
