Sixth non-fiction book fair underway at DU

A three-day-long Non Fiction Book Fair, jointly arranged by the Faculty of Business Studies (FBS) of Dhaka University (DU) and Bonik Barta, is currently underway at the University of Dhaka campus. The fair started today and will conclude on December 28. 

The fair was inaugurated today by Professor Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman, Vice Chancellor, DU. Professor Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam, Chairman, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, and former dean of DU-FBS, and Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Samad, Professor and Pro Vice Chancellor, DU were also in attendance. Professor Dr. Muhammad Abdul Moyeen, Dean, DU-FBS welcomed the visitors during his speech. The inauguration event was moderated by Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Editor and CEO, Bonik Barta.

"Non-fiction books are full of information and facts, and a university campus is probably the best place to host a fair of these books. They will help in developing not only academic knowledge, but also necessary life skills beyond the scope of a classroom," Professor Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman noted during his speech. He also thanked the publishers for being a part of this initiative of promoting readership among young students, and helping build a knowledge-based economy.

The fair will be open to visitors from 10.00 AM to 8.00 PM for the three days of the fair. Buyers can purchase a wide variety of books at discounted prices, with up to 30 percent sale. 

"We have a lot of new books related to the history of our liberation war. All our publications are available at 25 percent discount," shared the stall representative at Tamralipi. A total of 39 publications and research agencies are participating in the book fair, setting up 42 stalls. These include Adarsha, Jatiyo Sahitya Prokash, Anindo Prokash, Aloghor, Bangla Academy, Panjeree Publications Limited, Baatighar, Bangladesh Asiatic Society, Kotha Prokash, Bengal Publications, Daily Star Books and Pathak Shamabesh among many others.

This fair is organised annually with a goal of raising awareness about books related to business, economy and real-world phenomena. The organisers believe there has been a growing popularity of these books, and initiatives like this can go a long way in promoting readership.

The sixth instalment of the fair witnessed a great footfall on the first day. A large number of enthusiastic readers were spotted across the stalls, purchasing autobiographies, memoirs and self-help books. They were also participating eagerly in the photo contest and raffle draw events.

The fair arrangement committee has also decided to introduce a 'Non Fiction Book of the Year Award' for the very first time, and a jury board has been formed to choose the best book from the ones available at the fair. This announcement is to be made on the last day of the fair.

Maisha Islam Monamee is a contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment and Star Youth.