The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, originally scheduled to end on February 29th, was extended to March 2nd on the Prime Minister's orders. This resulted in a record-breaking event with 3,383 new book releases and a significant rise in visitor numbers.

Focus on Children and Accessibility:

The fair dedicated the final day to children with a special "children's hour" and emphasized the importance of fostering a love for reading in young minds. Improved accessibility through the new metro rail system contributed to a record-breaking crowd, particularly noticeable on Friday.

Literary Feast and Cultural Celebration:

Beyond book sales, the fair hosted engaging author discussions, a unique combination of a book talk and a rickshaw picture exhibition, and artistic performances like "Jatra Pala Bangamata."

Enduring Power of Literature:

Publishers highlighted the enduring power of literature to connect generations and preserve cultural heritage, encouraging visitors to explore the diverse offerings available.

New Releases and Diverse Offerings:

The fair showcased a diverse range of new releases, with a record-breaking 78 new books launched on a single day. This included notable titles like "Abdul Karim Sahityabisharader Nirbachito Rachana" and "Kemon Chhilen Humayun Ahmed."

Evolving Reading Landscape:

The fair reflected a growing interest in non-fiction topics like history, science, and religion, alongside the continued popularity of fiction. Publishers like Kathaprokash and Prothama offered books on these subjects, while the fair also featured titles on Bangabandhu and the Liberation War.

Fair Concludes with Journalist's Book Launch:

The fair concluded with the launch of senior journalist Manirujjaman Ujjal's book "Japito Jiboner Golpo," solidifying its position as a cornerstone of Bangladeshi culture.

New Books on Journalism and Dhaka's Challenges:

The fair also saw the launch of two new books:

Thorny Path of Journalism

"Thorny Path of Journalism" by Mostafa Kamal Majumder, exploring journalism's evolution in Bangladesh since the 1970s, and "Dhaka: A City Plagued by Problems" by Muhammad Abdur Rahman Jahangir, examining the city's challenges like transportation and environment.

Dhaka: A City Plagued by Problems

Increased Online Readership:

The fair has seen a growth in online readership, suggesting a more interactive experience than ever before.

Positive Impact on Communities:

Publishers noted that the fair benefits various communities, including authors, readers, and publishers, and contributes to the perpetuation of literary traditions and cultural enrichment.

Overcrowding at Metro Station:

The influx of attendees via the metro rail on Friday led to an unexpected surge at the Dhaka University station, highlighting the need for improved crowd management.

Call for More Facilities:

Temuni Khan Rinu, director of the "Lekhok Bolchi" stage, urged for increased facilities for independent and upcoming publishing houses and a dedicated space for women publishers.

Overall Success:

Despite some challenges, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair was deemed a success, attracting a larger crowd with diverse interests and showcasing the evolving literary landscape of Bangladesh.