The Boi Mela saw a packed crowd on February 21. Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon

Called the “wizard of words”, Humayun Ahmed won the hearts of millions with his literary talent. His first work was “Nondito Noroke” followed by “Shonkhonil Karagar”. At this year's Ekushey Book Fair, a new generation of curious readers is buying the two novels, penned 40 years ago. In his writing career, the late litterateur penned over 200 novels besides science fictions, travel and children books. He wrote as many as 15 novels on his character Himu. On a visit to the fair, the publishers informed this correspondent that the sale of books on Himu had far exceeded their expectation.
Ahmed wrote around 10 novels on Misir Ali -- another of most popular characters -- besides several others on the character of Shubhro. At the book fair, readers have expressed a great deal of interest about the books on Misir Ali as well.   
Ahmed's voluminous novel “Badshah Namdar” narrates the story of Mughal rule. His two-volume novel “Matal Hawa” is also one of his great creations. Young readers are avidly picking up these books.
In Ahmed's works, readers mainly learn about the lifestyle of lower and middle class people, like in the book “Eisob Dinratri”. In the novel “Kothao Keu Nei”, the writer also presents an authentic picture of society. The sale of the two books is gathering momentum at the fair.  
“Jyotsna and Jononir Golpo” is one of his best novels where he presents the tale of the Liberation war. The book has a great appeal for serious readers.
 “Srabon Megher Din” and “Aguner Paroshmoni” are among his best works. Of them, “Aguner Paroshmoni” is a story based on the liberation war. His other project “Gouripur Junction” has been translated in nine languages. The hit novels are attracting book lovers at the fair.
In many of his writings, Humayun related the tale of Bhati (low lying area) region people. “Fera” is such a novel where he narrated the life story of a folk singer. “Krishno Memorial High School” is also a different novel of the talented writer. New readers are mainly seen picking up the books. Ahmed wrote a number of books on the moonlit night like “Grihotagi Jyotsna” and “Chader Aloi Koikjon Jubok”. “Brishti Bilash” is a story based on love in rain, while the novel “Jonom Jonom” depicts the story of a girl's struggles.
“Badol Diner Prothom Kodom Phool”, “Noboni”, “Aj Dupure Tomar Nimontran” and “Tumi Amai Dekechhile Chhutir Nimontrane” are among his romantic novels. The sale of the books increased sharply on Pahela Falgun and Valentine's Day.
Onnoprakash has published his new book “Lilabotir Mrittu” while “Ekattor Ebong Amar Baba” was published by Somoy at this year's book fair. A political novel “Deyal” was Ahmed's last work and was a best selling book at last year's Ekushey Boi Mela.