International Book Fair
Why are book sales inadequate at the book fair?
It has been 52 years since the Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been taking place. During this time, Bangladesh's GDP has surpassed 460 billion dollars. Additionally, per capita income has increased by 2,687 dollars. According to a report from the Bangladesh Bank last year, the number of millionaires in the country is currently 113,554. According to the 2021 survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, currently, there are 4 crore middle-income people in the country, whose daily income ranges from 2 to 20 dollars. The size of the country's business-commerce-entertainment sector is increasing every year. There is growth in food shops, shopping malls, picnic spots, and tourist spots. The demand for every daily necessity is increasing rapidly, not just for books. Only the demand for books is not increasing. In its 52 years of existence, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, held for a month each year, has never reached sales of 100 crore taka which is vital for the country's prosperity.
Tk 600m books sold at Ekushey Book Fair
The month-long "Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2024", the country's largest book fair, concluded on Saturday, and the 31-day fair is estimated to have sold books worth Tk 600m crore and six million visitors.
Large pavilions; great authors not respected
Poet Russell Ashequi has been immersed in the world of poetry for almost three decades, starting his journey amidst the turmoil of the anti-autocracy movement in the 1990s. Recently, he has embarked on a self-reflective journey in crafting an epic poem.
I actually want to write an epic poem
Poet Hanzala Han desires to immerse in transient poetry while aspiring to write epics. In his childhood, he wished to become a tree. He believes that the essence of art lies in the emotions and feelings of humans, which are innate. He expressed these thoughts in conversation with Mahfuz Sarder, sub-editor of Views Bangladesh.
Books by Kolkata's poet couple at Ekushey Book Fair
Saikat Ghosh and Pratyusha Sarkar live together, immersed in the world of poetry. Both of them are from West Bengal. However, their individual poetry collections have been published separately at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Saikat Ghosh's poetry book "Rangtay Mora Utshab" has been published by the esteemed Bangladeshi publication house 'Oitijhya'. On the flip side, Pratyusha Sarkar's poetry book "Ajkal Shahobat Shikhchhi" has been published by 'Ittyadi Grantho Prakash'.
Each living being must go through a kind of sadness
Anif Rubed, an exceptionally talented poet, literary figure, thinker, and short story writer of the time. He has become adept at attracting the attention of a rich readership for his innovative writings. He has been awarded the Gemcon Young Literature Award. He has managed to take possession of the original literature with power even outside the capital. Talked to Views Bangladesh about his literary career. Interviewed by Kamrul Ahsan.
We depend on individuals, they depend on institutions
Ahmad Mazhar is an essayist, translator and children's author. He has been living abroad for seven years now, currently residing in the United States. Despite being away from his homeland, his heart remains attached to his roots. He continues to be actively involved in writing. Two of his books have been published in this year's book fair: 'Smriti O Sannidhe' and 'Mouhurtiki'. Every year during the book fair, he visits his home country. During his recent visit, he engaged in a conversation with Views Bangladesh, discussing his life abroad, his thoughts on writing, and various other topics. Kamrul Ahsan conducted the interview.
‘Facebooke Dekhi Chand’ at the book fair
‘Facebooke Dekhi Chand’ ((I See the Moon on Facebook), is the first poetry book by poet Rashed Mehedi. He delves into the existence and values of modern humanity, the ‘dilemmas’ of mechanical lifestyle, and reflects them in his poetry. While being descriptive and message-driven, his poems also feature innovative use of metaphor, symbols, and imagery.
I paint rural Bengal from childhood memories
Artist Samar Majumder has gained national fame by designing the book cover. There is no popular author of the the '80s and '90s whose book cover was not done by Samar Majumdar. The famous cover artist once stopped doing covers altogether. This prominent cover artist's journey, artistic vision and his time as a cover artist - all these aspects converge to portray his lifestyle in an interview with Views Bangladesh. Kamrul Ahsan and Mahfuz Sardar conducted the interview.
Book business may not be a lucrative business, but it is a respectable business
Genius Publications is a renowned publishing house in Bangladesh, particularly known for its publication of political books, which has garnered the attention of conscious readers. They also have an enormous collection of research-based and creative books. Genius Publications reprints classic books of Bengali literature and also publishes translations of renowned world literature. There are publications for children. Their aim is to appeal to readers of all ages and interests with a diverse range of publications. Genius Publications' pavilion at the book fair always attracts a crowd. On the occasion of the book fair, the owner of Genius Publications. Kamrul Ahsan, senior co-editor of Views Bangladesh spoke to Habibur Rahman.
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