No one returned empty handed
After the entrance of the fair was opened at 11:00am for "Shishu Prohor" (Children's Hour) on the second last Friday of this year's Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, the fair saw an increasing number of sales -- continuing till the closure at 9:00pm. The fair ground was flooded with a sea of book-lovers, none of whom seemed to return empty handed.
During "Shishu Prohor", Halum, Tuktuki and Ikri of the popular cartoon series "Sisimpur" were a delight for the children as always.
Almost all the children were seen immersed in new books. Four-year-old Azzan's eyes were set on the book his parents got him, instead of the path ahead.
Little Abanti got a colourful book for herself from the Sisimpur stall, which she likes to call the "Halum and Ikri stall".
"A special day for children at the book fair is really a wonderful thing. Children have more agency here, and can enjoy the time according to their wish," said Nazmul Ibne Fahim, Abanti's father.
Lipi Khandaker, a mother, said, "The way the children are getting acquainted with books from an early age with special segments like the 'Shishu Prohor', will help them develop their creativity."
Imran Hasan, sales officer of Shishubela Prakashan, said that sales are relatively better this time. Parents are handing over all sorts of great books on various subjects to their children.
Meanwhile, Daily Star Books is at the fair with books for readers of different tastes.
Asik Mir, who is in charge of the stall, said people are coming from all parts of the capital every day to get books of their choice. However, sales on Fridays are always better compared to other days.
According to Rabin Ahsan, proprietor of Shravan Publications, sales are expected to increase with each passing day now.
A discussion programme titled "Remember : Gaziul Haque and Sikandar Abu Jafar" was held on the fair's main stage yesterday. Secretary of cultural affairs ministry Md Abul Mansur presided over the function, which was followed by a cultural programme in the evening.
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