Photo : Collected
The month-long ‘Ekushey Book Fair’ kicked off yesterday. With the theme of ‘Read books, build country, Bangabandhu’s Bangladesh’, this year’s fair sprawls across an impressive 11.5 lakh square feet, overseen solely by Bangla Academy.
The convergence of twenty-one book fairs transforms the surroundings into a vibrant confluence, attracting readers, publishers, and visitors alike. From Bangla Academy to Suhrawardy Udyan and Ramna Park, the entire area pulsates with the energy of literary enthusiasts. This fair serves as a nexus for person from all walks of life, fostering connections amidst the burgeoning popularity of such events. Writers, scholars, and intellectuals, both domestic and international, converge during this month-long celebration of literature.
With meticulous planning, 937 units have been allotted to 635 organizations, delineating 173 units within the academy premises and 764 units in the Suhrawardy Udyan section. A total of 37 pavilions grace the fairgrounds, including one at the academy and 36 within Suhrawardy Udyan, while the Little Magazine section finds a new home near the open stage of Suhrawardy Udyan, accommodating around 170 LittleMags.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ceremoniously inaugurated the fair on February 1, also bestowing the prestigious Bangla Academy Literary Award for 2023. The fairgrounds are meticulously prepared, with measures such as laying bricks to minimize dust and constructing the ‘Lekhak Bolsi’ stage, doubling as a shelter for attendees if needed.
Spanning 29 days, the fair welcomes visitors daily from 3 pm to 9 pm, except on holidays. Entry to the fairgrounds ceases at 8:30 pm, with childcare services available on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm, extending the fair’s operating hours until 9 pm on those days.
Awards such as the ‘Chittaranjan Saha Smriti Award’ for quality publishing and the ‘Munir Chowdhury Smriti Prize’ for artistic excellence add prestige to the event, honoring outstanding contributions to literature.
Amidst the bustling atmosphere of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, ensuring the preservation of positive cultural values is paramount. Merely relying on law enforcement or authority surveillance is insufficient; collective vigilance and cooperation are imperative to ensure the safety and success of such gatherings. Let us imbue the Praner Mela with the fervor and enthusiasm it deserves.
Messenger/Fameema
