Since ‘Amar Ekushey’ (February 21) fell on a Friday this year, Ashiqur Rahman, a sales representative at the ‘Banglar Prokashon’ stall, had high hopes for the day. Sales had been slow over the past 20 days, but he expected to make up for it on this occasion. However, by the end of the day, his voice was filled with disappointment. This was the reality for most stalls at the fair. Compared to previous years, sales at this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair have been significantly lower. Writers, publishers, and fair organizers have pointed to both political instability and a steady decline in readership as key reasons for this downturn.
The month-long book fair, which began on February 1, is being held at the Bangla Academy premises and Suhrawardy Udyan under the theme “July Mass Uprising: Building a New Bangladesh.” This year, the number of stalls has increased, with 708 publishing houses participating, up from 642 last year. Despite the expansion, publishers are expressing frustration over poor sales.
Md Shaheen, Manager of Anupam Prokashoni, told Bonik Barta, “The number of readers is gradually decreasing due to the negative impact of technology. People are moving away from books since they can find everything they need on their phones. Most spend their time watching videos or reels. There was a time when books were a major source of entertainment. But that’s no longer the case. As a result, book sales are not what they used to be. Compared to last year, sales have dropped sharply—so much so that we haven’t even reached half of last year’s total sales.”
During a visit to the fair on February 21, large crowds were observed. However, most visitors were busy taking selfies, buying flowers, and gathering at food stalls. Hamida Akter, who came from Azimpur, said, “The fair has become much more diverse now, with more food stalls and plenty of opportunities to take photos. Besides, many people come here to take photos. The book fair has become a recreational place. While some may criticize this, I personally think it’s a good thing.”
Poet and translator Mainul Islam Manik has published his poetry collection, Kurukhetrer Ghuri, with Chaitanya Prokashon this year. When asked about the fair’s current situation, he said, “I believe political instability is the biggest reason behind the drop in sales this year. The decline in readership due to technology has been happening gradually every year, but it wouldn’t suddenly fall by half overnight. Readers still exist. However, the political shift has affected the presence of writers and publishers at the fair. While some have left, new publishers and writers have also emerged. This year has been challenging, but if the situation improves next year, publishers’ businesses will likely recover.”
At this year’s fair, 1,084 units have been allocated to 708 publishing houses, compared to 642 participants and 946 units last year. In the Bangla Academy premises, 99 stalls have been allotted, while 609 stalls have been set up at Suhrawardy Udyan. There are 37 pavilions in total—one inside the Bangla Academy and 36 in Suhrawardy Udyan, the same as last year. The Little Magazine section has been set up at the Gachhtola near the open stage at Suhrawardy Udyan, with 130 Little Magazines receiving stalls. Additionally, 74 publishers have been allocated 120 units in the Children’s Corner, an increase from last year’s 109 units for 68 publishers.
The overall layout of the book fair remains unchanged from last year, but some structural adjustments have been made. Due to the metro rail station’s location, the exit, which was used in previous years, has been slightly shifted closer to the Mandir Gate. There are four designated entry and exit points at TSC, Doel Chattar, the MRT Basing Plant, and the Engineers’ Institution. Law enforcement has stated that they are maintaining 24-hour security vigilance at the fair.
The Ekushey Book Fair will continue until February 28 (Friday). It is open daily from 3 pm to 9 pm, with no new visitors allowed entry after 8:30 pm. On holidays, the fair runs from 11 am to 9 pm.