Book Fair ends yet many questions remain

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair has come to an end this year, leaving behind much sorrow, melancholy, and pain. Those who love books, those who have regularly attended the book fair, those who keep up with the daily happenings of the fair, and those involved with books in various ways—readers, writers, publishers—they all know why this year's book fair ended with such a lack of joy! The controversy surrounding the Bangla Academy Award, the closure of a publishing house, the banning of a poet, the closure of two stalls for selling sanitary napkins, and various political complexities have raised questions about the fair from the very beginning. Despite large crowds, the sales at this year's book fair were much lower than previous years.

Reports published in the newspapers yesterday, Friday (28th February), indicate that there were shortcomings in the fair’s management and planning. Many unpleasant events occurred, which impacted the sales. Most publishers are disappointed with the sales figures, as they did not expect such a drop. Publishers have stated that the sales this year were about one-third of last year's.

Such a situation is, of course, disappointing. Normally, after the fair ends, there is a shadow of parting sadness on the faces of poets, writers, publishers, and readers, but this time it is completely different. This time, there is disappointment on everyone's faces. Writers and publishers are asking: Why did the book sales drop so much? Was it only due to the political changes? Or have readers turned away from books?

The discussion about the decline in book readership in Bangladesh has been ongoing for the past few years. People's lives have become busier, there are more means of entertainment and ways to pass time, and most recently, the prices of essential goods have risen, along with the prices of books; in the midst of all this, readers no longer feel the same interest in reading books. However, reading is also a cultural habit of a nation. It must be acknowledged that we have never really had a strong reading habit. However, until the 80s and 90s, there was a segment of readers who at least read popular books, subscribed to newspapers and magazines, and kept up with news from around the world. Now, people have mobile phones in their hands and Facebook on their screens. People are spending time on Facebook, watching reels, and browsing YouTube for whatever interests them; as a result, the attraction to books has diminished. But it is also true that a good book can enrich a person in ways no other medium can; not even a good film. Because books connect directly with the mind and heart of the reader. Moreover, in subject-specific books, one can find a complete structure of a particular idea, which is not possible through other mediums.

Nevertheless, the decline in book readership is unfortunate. Moreover, our society and state do not play any positive role in increasing the number of book readers; on the contrary, there are many negative impacts. These effects were seen at this year's book fair. If this continues, our publishing industry will be in danger. If the labor and efforts of a writer behind publishing a good book are ignored or disrespected, many writers will be discouraged from writing and publishing books, which will eventually set back our state and society. We certainly do not want our book fair to end in this kind of melancholy and disappointment. The culture of knowledge-seeking must be built by society and the state. Otherwise, no one will be able to stop our destruction.