Readers rushing in for the classics
From the information centre, the announcer said Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's "Adarsha Hindu Hotel", has been published by Abosor Prokashoni. Even after 73 years of his death, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's book is being published. This goes to show that no matter what, classic literature books are always in demand.
Over 100 publishing houses have brought in Bangla literature classics at their stalls in this year's Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, which are always popular among book lovers.
Sadia Tanjin bought Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's "Shrikanta" from Abosor Prokashoni.
She said, "There are many reasons to choose classic books over a thousand new books. The literary language of classic writers is catchy and creative. I don't come across such style among modern books."
Noor-E-Muntaquim Alamgir, proprietor of Abosor, said, "After 60 years of the death of a writer, there is no copyright to his or her book. Anyone can print them if they want. In this case, the publishers think that the quality of the book becomes important. I urge everyone to print the books of classic literature with care."
"Even now, people's adoration for Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, Manik Bandopadhyay and Tarashankar Bandopadhyay's books is remarkable," he said.
Publishing house Oitijjhya has published Jibanananda Das, Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay and Manik Bandopadhyay's whole works. The publication has also published four novels by Jibanananda Das -- "Vibha", "Malayadan", "Kalyani" and "Jalpaihati". A few years ago, Oitijjhya published Rabindra-Rachanabali in 30 volumes.
"People have a special attraction towards these books," said Amjad Hossain Kajal, manager of the publication.
Apart from this, books of late authors are available in the stalls of more than 100 publications, including Barnayan, Kakoli, Books Fair, Salauddin Book House, Bishwa Sahitya Bhaban, Jatiya Sahitya Prakashan, Student Wage and Bishwa Sahitya Kendra.
TASK FORCE SHUTS DOWN TWO PUBLICATIONS, ALERTS 12
The task force of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela has recommended the closure of Rabeya Book House and two other publishers for selling pirated books at the fair. Later, the book fair committee closed two stalls of the latter publishers, the names of which the authorities are yet to disclose.
Meanwhile, the task force also warned 12 other publications not to sell books outside the book fair policy yesterday.
The task force chairman and joint secretary of the cultural affairs ministry Asim Kumar Dey said action will be taken against them in the next operation.
He also said regular task force operations will be carried out to keep the book fair disciplined and the interests of the publishers intact.
Meanwhile, the managing committee of the book fair has written a letter to three publishing houses for building pavilions of bigger sizes than the approved size, which is a violation of the book fair policy.