Best books, best writers

Ananya, one of the leading creative publication houses in Bangladesh, largely publishes novels, short stories, poetry books and children's literature. 

At this year's month-long Ekushey Boi Mela, it published over 100 books under the theme “Shera Lekhok Shera Boi”. 

However, the political situation slowed down the footfall to the fair, according to the publishers. “This year's book fair was not as lively as we had expected due to the country's political situation. Nevertheless, during the last days of the fair we saw a good turnout of book lovers,” publisher Monirul Haque said. 

Why weren't there many books on the Language Movement? Haque said such works called for very extensive research, besides many veteran writers who penned such books had passed on. 

Haque also pointed out that readers pick up more books at the fair than otherwise. “The fair is an eagerly awaited event, as Ekush is closely connected with the spirit and psyche of the nation.” He concluded by saying that book fairs go a long way in promoting learning and should be encouraged further.