74 new books added to Amar Ekushey Book Fair

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair continues to captivate book lovers, with 74 new books added to the collection on its third day. 

Among the new arrivals are 20 novels, 21 poetry collections, 3 biographies, 4 travelogues, 2 history books, 5 translations, and a single title on the Liberation War.  

Monday (February 3), was designated as Children�s Hour, filling the fairgrounds with the laughter and excitement of young visitors. This vibrant atmosphere reflected the growing enthusiasm for books among the next generation.

In the midst of the fair�s lively scene, Dr. Kishwar Jahan Shethi, an assistant professor at the Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, shared an inspiring observation with The Daily Observer. She noted seeing a homeless elderly man reading a newspaper with deep focus and another engrossed in a book. �These footpaths usually remind us of hardship, but today, these scenes uplifted my spirit. It would be even more heartening if such moments became more frequent. I hope the younger generation embraces this culture beyond February,� she remarked.

At 4:00 PM, a session titled Bicentennial Tribute: Michael Madhusudan Dutt took place on the fair�s main stage. Rafiqullah Khan delivered the keynote address, with Muhammad Nurul Huda, Director General of Bangla Academy, chairing the session. The panel included Khosru Parvez and Hosne Ara, who explored Madhusudan�s innovative contributions to Bengali literature, particularly his modern reinterpretation of the Ramayana and his portrayal of Ravana in a new light. Scholars emphasized the continued importance of studying his literary impact.

During the Writers� Talk session, authors such as Saifullah Mahmud Dulal (poet), Saleha Chowdhury (fiction writer and translator), Abu Ishak Hossain (Lalon researcher), and Mamun Mustafa (poet-essayist) shared insights into their latest publications, engaging with readers eager to explore new literary perspectives.

The evening�s cultural segment included poetry recitations by Nasir Ahmed, Tariq Sujat, Shahnaz Munni, and Nahar Monika, alongside musical performances by Milon Kanti De, Shahadat Hossain Nipu, and Afroza Kona. Groups like Kranti Shilpigoshthi and Sheikh Russel Lalitkala Academy added to the event�s vibrancy, while musicians such as Sajed Akbar, Salma Akbar, Laisa Ahmed Lisa, and instrumentalists Biswajit Sarkar (tabla) and Asit Biswas (esraj) captivated the audience.

Among the fair�s highlights is the Encyclopedia of Bangladesh�s Liberation War, edited by Dr. Harun-or-Rashid, former Vice-Chancellor of the National University. This 10-volume set, available at the Asiatic Society�s stall, is currently offered at a special price of BDT 5,000, down from BDT 12,000. Additionally, Kanai Chakraborty�s historical fiction, Itihase Nei, related to the Liberation War, is attracting attention at Anupam Prokashoni.

At Panjeree Publications Ltd. (pavilion 29), a wide range of literary and academic works are being showcased, from poetry and novels to research books and travelogues by prominent writers.

Toufiq Islam Chowdhury, author of the upcoming Sahityer Pothrekha, expressed confidence in its appeal: �This book will be a must-read for literature enthusiasts. Anyone who flips through its pages will feel compelled to own a copy.�

Meanwhile, debut author Niloy Neel, whose first book Ek Nishwasher Golpo is being displayed at Anwesha Prokashon (booths 709-712), shared the emotional journey of publishing: �For new writers, it�s not about royalties�it�s about being read and discussed. Seeing my book on display is a surreal moment,� he reflected.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair continues on February 4, featuring a 4:00 PM discussion on Kangal Harinath Majumdar, with Tapan Majumdar delivering the keynote, and Jafar Wazed and Aminur Rahman Sultan serving as discussants. The fair will be open from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.