'Construct new library bldg at Bangla Academy to preserve rare books'

They also expressed concern over the lack of space and furniture at the library which might cause damage to its valuable collections.

The traditional discussion on 'Fifty years of Bangla Academy: The role of its library' was organised on the seventh day of the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair on the academy premises.

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Presenting a keynote paper, Shahida Khatun said although Bangla Academy library is one of the foremost research centre for Bangla language and literature, there is no modern facilities in the library.

Journalist Hasan Hafiz, Mohammad Sadat Ali and Asad Chowdhury took part in the discussion followed by a cultural function. Mohammad Abdul Kaium presided.

Meanwhile, 34 new books were shelved at different publishing houses of the fair yesterday.

The cover of the book titled 'Amar Nutun Janma' by late Prof Humayun Azad was unveiled in the fair by his wife Latifa Kahinoor, daughters Mauli Azad and Smita Azad, son Anannya Azad and publisher of Agamee Prakashani Osman Gani.

Prof Azad wrote the book after he was chopped brutally on way to his university quarter from the fair last year.

Publishers said the sale of books was not up to expectations as less number of bookworms came to the fair.

On the other hand, the security at the fair was very tight. Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) were seen at two entrances of the academy checking all the visitors. They were also patrolling inside the academy premises.

Talking to this correspondent, one of the Rab members preferring not to be named said they had been just following the orders of the high-ups.

A traditional discussion on 'Fifty years of Bangla Academy: The role of Bangla Academy in the field of research on Bangla language and literature ' will be held on the academy premises today.