The curtain lifts on the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2013 today on the Bangla Academy premises, with the participation of only 274 publishing houses and government organisations and other facilities.
Last year, a total of 425 institutions, approximately double that of this year, were accommodated in the fair that spilled onto the road outside the academy premises in the previous years.
But this year authorities of Bangla Academy, the organiser of the fair, have vowed to keep the fair confined within the academy premises.
The prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, is scheduled to inaugurate the fair at 3:00pm while cultural affair minister Abul Kalam Azad will address the inaugural session as special guest.
The academy director general, Shamuzzaman Khan, and publisher’s representative Mohiuddin Ahmad will also speak in the programme.
The academy chairman Professor Emeritus Anisuzzaman will preside over the occasion, to be broadcast live by Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar.
Devoting the 30th Amar Ekushey Book Fair to the late popular author Humayun Ahmed, the fair authorities have confirmed that no spaces for socio-political, cultural organisations and NGOs were allowed in the fair, considering the existing political situation of the country.
‘We do not want to see the book fair as a mini-trade fair displaying everything from daily commodities to foods and toys for children on the fair premises,’ said the academy DG, Shamuzzaman Khan, while addressing a press conference on Thursday.
About security measures on the fair premises, he said reinforced security measures have been taken to avoid untoward situation.
Four archways — two in front of the Atomic Energy Commission and the others in front of the Institute of Food and Nutrition of Dhaka University — would be set up at the entry points.
Sufficient number of police, RAB and other law enforcers would be deployed to maintain law and order, said the fair organising committee member secretary, Shahida Khatun.
The participating publishing houses and institutions passed a hectic day on Thursday, preparing their allotted stalls before the morning.
The air on fair ground was full with the sound and smell of new papers, colours and other materials used for stall decoration.
Two awards — ‘Chhittaranjan Saha Smrity Purushkar’ and ‘Munier Chowdhury Smrity Purushkar’ would be given to the best publishers for quality publications in 2012.
The BRAC Bank, for the fourth times, will sponsor the fair for which the total budget been estimated at Tk 75 lakh. Step Media Ltd is responsible for making and decorating stalls and other facilities at the book fair.
Besides Nazrul Mancha, where new titles are unveiled, several corners have been dedicated to language martyrs like previous years. Several private television channels will telecast the fair live every day.
This year the month-long discussions and cultural functions at the main stage of the fair would highlight the life and works of scholars in Bangla literature, the organizers said.
A corner for the children has also been decorated in front of Nazrul Mancha.
The fair committee are yet to finalise the date for Shishu Prahar, a day or part of a day dedicated to children, said the academy DG.
The book fair will remain open to the visitors between 3:00pm and 9:00pm every daily and from 11:00am to 9:00am on holidays. On February 21, the fair will remain open between 8:00am and 9:00pm.
The academy will provide a 30 per cent discount while other publishers 25 per cent on the prices of their books. Wifi facilities will be available in the fair.
-With New Age input
