Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
A month-long exhibition of books titled Amar Ekushey Book Fair begins today on Suhrawardy Udyan and Bangla Academy premises to commemorate the language martyrs who sowed the seeds of Bangladesh's independence.
Head of the post-uprising government Prof Muhammad Yunus is scheduled to inaugurate the country's largest literary event, this time commencing in a changed ambience created by the August-5th, 2024 political changeover.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus would also present the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2024 during the opening ceremony, according to Sarkar Amin, member-secretary of the fair committee.
The announcement was made at a press conference at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium, attended by Bangla Academy Director- General Mohammad Azam and Secretary Md Selim Reza, among others.
Security and logistics remain a priority, with over 300 closed-circuit cameras, enhanced lighting, and daily water spraying for cleanliness. Dedicated washrooms, food courts, prayer areas, and parking zones have been arranged to facilitate visitors.
This year, 1,059 stalls have been allotted to 693 publishing houses and organisations-139 units and a pavilion at the Bangla Academy, while 920 units and 34 pavilions allocated at Suhrawardy Udyan.
The fair will run from 3:00 pm to 9:00pm daily, opening at 11:00 am on weekends and public holidays, and at 8:00 am on February 21.
Bangla Academy has released 43 new books and reprinted 41 others for the event.
The tradition, which began informally in 1972 and got institutionalised in 1978, remains a "cornerstone of Bangladesh's literary culture", literatures say.
The book fair is annually arranged at state level in paying tributes to those who laid down their lives on February 21, 1952 to establish Bengali as a state language.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com