Officials urge visitors to maintain proper health guidelines in the fair
BSS: Since the Covid-19 pandemic situation is relatively tolerable as of now, the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair is going to start on February 1 next year.
Bangla Academy authorities have decided to continue the book fair up to the stipulated time of February 28.
The authorities have already undertaken elaborate programs to make the fair successful, coinciding with the theme “Bangabandhu er Jonmo Shotoborsho ebong Swadhinotar Suborno Joyonti (Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu and Golden Jubilee of the Independence)”.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, said Jalal Uddin Ahmed, director of Bangla Academy and member secretary of Ekushey Book Fair Committee.
He hopes that the book fair will be held successfully.
He said all pragmatic steps have been taken to organize a giant program on fair premises marking the Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence.
Ahmed also urged all concerned including visitors to maintain proper health guidelines in the book fair.
Necessary steps are being taken by Bangla Academy to follow strict hygiene rules considering the Omicron variant so that book-lovers can come and roam safely, he added.
“Last year, a total of 460 publishing houses participated in the book fair and they will also take part in the book fair again,” he continued.
About the facilities given to the publishers, Ahmed said: they (publishers) will be able to pay rent of stall at fair through instalments.
“They will enjoy such opportunity for the first time,” he said.
He further said the January 5 deadline for paying stall rent has also been extended.
Saying that publishers paid the rent of the stalls at the end of November last year, he added this time, the payment deadline has been extended for the benefit of the publishers.
Speaking to BSS, Bangladesh Publisher and Book Sellers Association (BAPUS) Chief Advisor Osman Gani underscored the need for taking a year-based comprehensive plan for the book fair as it is touted as a globally recognized event.
Gani, also the publisher of Agamee Prakashani, lauded the affection of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina towards books and literature saying: “I have seen the sincerity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina regarding books. I have published fifteen books of her.”
He sought combined efforts of all concerned so that the publishers could get more facilities in the book fair.
