Book fair draws huge crowd despite hartal

Although there were fewer crowds in the afternoon, the book lovers flocked to the Bangla Academy premises, the fair venue, in large numbers after the evening.

However, fewer new books came to the shelves at different stalls yesterday. The organisers said they brought fewer books to the fair fearing that hartal might hamper their business.

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Forty-four new books were put on display yesterday. Publishers said they would showcase more new books today as they expected a rise in the sale.

The selling of children's books were at the top yesterday.

Less gathering was seen at the Writer's Chattar in the evening as popular writers were absent.

A large number of Dhaka University's residential students made up the bulk of the visitors as the university was closed due to hartal.

The demand for books by Dr Humayan Azad, Humayun Ahmed and Dr Muhammad Zafar Iqbal was higher, the organiers said

Majority of the female students asked for books by Humayun Ahmed, they added.

There was also a great demand for 'Bangladesh: Paribartaner Rekhachitra' by FBCCI President Abdul Awal Mintu and 'Dharmanubhutir Upakatha O Onyanya' by Dr Humayun Azad.

'Sakaley Uthiya Ami Mone Mone Boli' by Amirul Islam, 'Bhoot' by Ahsan Habib, and 'Pakh-Pakhalir Chhara' by Ali Imam were also sold in a large number.

The Annya Publications published four books while the Laboni Publication, the Sahitto Bilash, the Jagrity Publication published three new books each.

The Agami Publication, Bangladesh Press Institute, the Ahmad Publishing House, the Hasi Publication published two new books each.

At the Little Magazine Chattar, Saidur Rahman Bayati unveiled the cover of a new book titled 'Mangol Sandhya Series 2004'. New writers have contributed to this series.

A discussion on 'Centennial tributes: Practising of science and culture of Kazi Motaher Hossain' was held at the fair venue, followed by a cultural programme.

Shahida Rafique was the key speaker. Presided over by Muhammad Ibrahim, the discussion was addressed by Moyukh Chowdhury, Nashid Kamal and Syed Ziaul Haque.

The book fair will remain open from 2:00pm to 8:00pm daily and from 11:00am to 8:00pm on weekends, Bangla Academy sources said.

On February 21, the fair will remain open from 8:00am to 9:00pm.