Book fair in remote UZ draws large crowd

Yesterday, for the first time, a daylong book fair and spring festival was held in remote Barlekha upazila headquarters, about 76 kilometres from the district town.

Organised by Barlekha Nazrul Academy, the daylong festival titled 'Boi Mela O Basanta Utsab 1425' was held at Barlekha Girls' High School premises.

Barlekha Nazrul Academy President Dipok Ranjan Nandi inaugurated the programme around 10:00am that was followed by a discussion.

During a visit to the fair, this correspondent saw a good number of books, including some rare ones, kept for display and sale at the fair premises.

Adviser of the academy Masrur Alam Chowdhury said, “Over 3,000 books are kept for display.”

Welcoming the organisers for holding the programme, many visitors at the book fair said such events will surely encourage the younger generation and help them read more. 

“I saw book fair couple of times only on TV. Today [Tuesday] I am visiting a book fair physically for the first time in my life,” said Onuva Chowdhury, a Class IX student at Barlekha Girls' High School.

“I was looking for a book on mobile repairing system from long, but did not find that in any of the libraries in Barlekha town,” Subha Das, 27, of Dakkhinbagh area in the upazila, said, adding that he found the book he was looking for at the fair.

Barlekha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sohel Ahmed and Barlekha Municipality Mayor Abul Imam Mohammad Kamran Chowdhury were present as special guests on the occasion.

Twelve writers and three journalists, including Akmol Hussain Nipu, Moulvibazar staff reporter of Bangla Daily Prothom Alo, were awarded for their significant contributions in different sectors during an award giving ceremony.

The programme that was divided into two sessions, saw colourful programmes, including traditional cake festival, musical drama and various cultural programmes in the opening session.