Amar Ekushey Boi Mela celebrating the Liberation Spirit
The eagerly awaited Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2021 has finally begun—delayed by almost a month and a half because of the pandemic. Having the book fair in March, however, has its own relevance as this month will mark 50 years of the nation's independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu the Father of the nation. Thus it is most befitting that the Boi Mela would be dedicated to the martyrs of our Liberation War. The importance of the Boi Mela is amply demonstrated by the fact that the prime minister has inaugurated it virtually, launching an English translation of Bangabandhu's "Amar Dekha Noya Chin" (New China 1952) and her distributing the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2020 among recipients.
The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela is a tradition and symbol of our nationhood, our cultural identity and the spirit of our Liberation War. It denotes the supreme sacrifice made by young students during the Language Movement, to establish their mother tongue when it was under threat of cultural appropriation. It is representative of the resolute movement to free ourselves from the oppressive regime that was determined to keep us subjugated, powerless and deprived of basic rights as citizens. Having it in March has given the book fair greater significance as it has encompassed the spirit of the Language Movement and the Liberation War as well as paying respect to the leader who sparked the fire of resistance and led us to freedom.
This is why this is not just a book fair but a celebration of what we have achieved as an independent country, especially in giving the Bangla language the place it deserves. Started in an informal way in 1972 in the premises of Bangla Academy, the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela has become a permanent festival every year and hosted by the Academy. And every year the fair has been visited enthusiastically and spontaneously revealing the inherent love for books that Bangladeshis have.
The fair has had to expand its space with it now being held at both the Bangla Academy premises and Suhrawardy Udyan. The Boi Mela is an opportunity for publishers to showcase their productions and make good sales and for book lovers to acquire books by their favourite authors and poets as well as explore new talents. The festive mood and interactions of readers, poets and writers makes this an intellectually stimulating event that is truly unique among all the festivals we celebrate. Though the fair has started amid an unexpected surge in Covid-19 infections, the organisers are trying to ensure the health guidelines of physical distancing, wearing masks and keeping hand sanitisers at various points. We hope all visitors will comply with these guidelines so that everyone can safely enjoy the Boi Mela.
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