Both the publishers and the readers feel the pinch of increased prices of books in Amar Ekushey Book Fair as most of the readers are turning away from books because of the price hike, leaving the publishers with little turnover.
Talking to New Age, owners of different publishing houses said prices of books have been increased by Tk 3 and Tk 5 per forma compared to that of the previous year.
They cited increased prices of papers and printing and binding costs as reasons behind the rise in book prices, which is frustrating the book lovers.
Both the publishers and the readers will have to bear the brunt of the price hike this year, they observed.
Shuvra Prakash proprietor Ratan Kumar Das said, ‘We always try to provide the readers with books at fair prices, but we could not but increase the price to make up the production cost.’
‘The cost of production has gone up from Tk 45 from Tk 65 per book this year,’ said Shikar publishing house stall representative Hasanul Banna.
A group of young people, who were found grudging the price hike, said they did not think of such ‘high price’ of books this year.
Irfan Ahmed Chowdhury, a student of Islamic University of Technology, Gazipur, told New Age the cost of the books has gone up much than that of last year.
Mahmud Apollo, from Malibag, said the cost has gone up beyond limit.
Meanwhile, the visitors, mostly kids and youths, who had flags and Shaheed Minar painted on their face, drew much attention of the fair.
Several corners on the fair premises have been already decorated with the posters demanding capital punishment for war criminals.
The fair ground was vibrant with the uproars of young people at Shahbag, also recently known as ‘Prajanma Chhatar’ in the capital.
A total of 113 titles hit the fair on the 10th day of fair. Poetry books, with 32 titles, led the tally, followed by 20 story books and 19 novels.
Also 10 new ones were unveiled at Nazrul Mancha.
The academy held a discussion on ‘Akhtaruzzaman Ilias’ at the main stage in the afternoon.
AM Masuduzzaman read out the keynote paper in the programme, addressed by Abdus Selim and Ahmad Mostafa Kama while Fazlul Alam chaired the discussion.
Today a discussion on ‘Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia’, to be chaired by Harun-or-Rashid, will be held.
Abed Khan will read out the keynote paper in the programme that is expected to be addressed by Rahat Khan, Muhammad Jahangir and Mohammad Selim.
Courtesy of New Age
