One-third of total stalls are still vacant after the fair began on Monday
UNB: Two days after the delayed Ekushey book fair opened, some publishers were still seen decorating their stalls amid the slow but cautious arrival of book lovers on Wednesday.
One-third of total stalls were still found to be vacant as the fair was launched on Monday under the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The traditional opening of the fair was scheduled for February 1 for a month. But it was delayed due to the spread of the virus since last month.
Rahad Uddin, a visitor, said: “I came here to observe the situation. The fair is yet to get momentum. I think it will take 3 to 5 more days for the fair to be on full gear.”
“I was looking for a book but I didn’t find it, the sellers told me to come after 2 days,” he added.
When asked about the reason for the delay in decorating the stall, the manager of a publishing house blamed it on uncertainty.
Speaking on condition of anonymity he said many of the publishers were in doubt if the fair will take place at all.
“I hope, we will be able to sell books from Thursday in full swing and we are also hopeful about making up the losses incurred last year,” he added.
