Ekushey Book Fair: Bangladesh Celebrates the Joy of Intellectual Freedom
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Book Fair
Nation celebrates the joy of intellectual freedom
Month-long Ekushey Book Fair opens at its traditional venue Bangla
Academy premises
By Tawfique Ali
Ekushey Book Fair, an eagerly awaited annual event, has now become an
embodiment of unfathomable spirit and patriotic zeal of Bangladeshi
nationhood.
Ekushey or twenty-first February is the glorious landmark in the
history of the Bengali nation that defied the subjugation of military
regime of Pakistan and voiced their dream for a separate territorial
identity and nationhood. In February 1952 the freedom loving people of
the then East Pakistan now Bangladesh rose to thwart the evil design of
the Pakistani regime to desecrate Bangla language by not giving it the
status of state language. It was the beginning of what was to culminate
into freedom struggle of 1971 and the eventual independence of
Bangladesh. Ekushey February is our first step forward to break free
from dictatorial repression and subjugation and also win a symbolic
foothold to peg the dreams of the Bengali nation.
On the day of February 21 every year, the nation solemnly pays homage
to its heroes who sacrificed their for our tomorrow and laid the
foundation of our nationhood and national identity through language
movement. Ekushey Book Fair is the most dignified ritual to pay due
honour to the dreams of valiant soldiers of freedom struggle.
"This fair is exclusively one of our own intellectual culture. We
nurture and nourish literary research and other creative works by
Bangladeshi writers. We don't entertain books of foreign authors
because of the fact that this arrangement is precisely for our own
sake. The very spirit of this Ekushey book fair is ingrained in the
core of our hearts," commented Syed Anwar Hossain, Director General of
Bangla Academy, while shedding light on the objectives of the fair.
"For the past three years we have tried utmost to bring back image and
prestige of Ekushey book fair which somewhat suffered a dent. We have
tried hard to retain the essential solemnity and gravity of the fair.
We have created scope for people of all ages and walks of life to spend
time in contact of books," he further added in reply to a question.
Having paid a visit to the fair this reporter has seen that the
premises of the fair this time around is dust and smoke free providing
a befitting atmosphere that goes with the most prestigious cultural and
intellectual of the nation. Unlike the chaotic experience of Ekushey
Mela a couple years back from now, the present arrangements offer a
chance to bring about a truly meaningful union of writers, readers and
book lovers in a soothing atmosphere. It's largely lived up to the
expectation of the book-loving people of the country.
This year's fair has some 337 stalls to display and sale of books
published by Bangla Academy and other publishing houses of the country.
Apart from country's leading writers, up-and-coming and young writers
from across the country have found outlet for their publications in the
fair.
According to the stall owners and publishers sale of book in the fair
is already more or less satisfactory, but has not picked up the
momentum yet. Publishing houses are quite hopeful of making a big
profit by end of the fair. This year's book fair has been enriched by a
large number of publications of books, journals, magazines and research
papers.
As usual novels are endeared most by the readers. Next are book of
poems by the major poets of the country. Essays on various issues and
topics are also occupy the front rows of the stalls along with the book
of poems and novels. Compendiums and complete works of giant Bangali
authors like Rabindranath Tagor, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Sarat Chandra
Chatyapadya, Sukanto drawing the attentions of the readers and book
collectors.
On the occasion of Ekushey Book Fiar-2001 Bangla Academy has brought
out 38 new titles which include Purano Dhakar Sangskriti Prasanga by
Anupam Hayat, Bhasha Aandoloner Shahidera editd by Shamsuzzaman Khan
and others, Nazrul Chetonay Nari O Naritya by Masuma Khan, Tangailer
Lokosangit by Abul Karim Mian, Folk painting in Bangladesh by Dr
Rafiqul Alam, English for Bengali Learners by Md Harun-ur-Rashid,
Bangladesher Rajnoitik Samajatya by Dr Hasanuzzaman Chowdhury,
Bangladesher Shilpakalor Adiparba O Ouponibeshik Probhab by Faizul Azim
and Banglir Darshan Chintay Manob Bhabna by Dr M Motiur Rahman.
Books published by the Asiatic Society on the occasion of the book fair
are History of Bangladesh (1704-1971) edited by Sirajul Islam, Kazi
Nazrul Islam by Wakil Ahmed and Bangladesher Boudhay Bhaskorga by
Bhekkhu Sunithando. History of Bangladesh is a three-volume study,
written by established scholars from home and abroad, tracing the
history of the nation's polity, economy and society. The first volume
is concerned with political history, while the second and third deal
with economic history, social and cultural history. This book is a
unique one for collectors, scholars, teachers and also for general
readers. Available,in both Bangla and English edition, at Tk 2000 and
3000 per set respectively.
Somoy Prakashon has taken initiative to publish some 100 new books on
the occasion of on going book fair. Nearly fifty of then are already
available and the rest will come out by the end of February 15. Subject
matters of these books cover a great variety from liberation war,
politics history, literary criticism, to art, women rights, archeology,
dictionary, novel, story, poetry anthology, to science fiction and
children story. Aaj Chitra Biey by Humayun Ahmed and Esho by Imdadul
Huq Milan both novel are being sold like hot cakes.
Pathek Samabesh has also published a number of new books some including
First Three Minutes edited and translated by Nur Solaiman, Aundhokar O
Alo Dekhar Galpo by Syed Monzoorul Islam and an album about Stop
Genocide by Zahir Raihan.
Books published by Anonya include Bangla Bangali Bangalitya by Ahmed
Sharif, Shabder Shimana by Zillur Rahman Siddique, Gadya Shamagra by
Nirmelendu Goon, Tomeder Ei Nogore by Humayun Ahmed and some other.
Asia publications has a good number recent publications to their name
like Bangladesher Orthanitir Abhantarin Chetra by Anu Mahmud,
Rabindranath:Tulonamulak Aelochona and Bagladesher Rajniti: Ekattor
Theke Aatanabbai by Nil Kamal Biswas.
Publications by Agami Prokoshoni include Fali Fali Kore Kata Chand by
Humayun Azad, Sabuj Pahar by Rizia Rahman, Chatyagramer Itihash by
Ahmed Sharif and many more by eminent writers.
UPL is one of the front-ranking publishing house in the country. Its
publications usually covers serious and research works by country's
eminent writers. UPL has brought out a rich collection of new books for
Ekushey Boi Mela 2001. They include selected short stories, essays and
poetry of Bangladesh. Its another notable publication this year is The
Common Country Assessment Bangladesh priced at Tk 250.
A significant publication of this mela by UPL certainly is Ahmed Sharif
Memorial Book price at Tk 400.
Ekushey Book Fair is a festivity celebrated and taken part in with an
earnest urge by the people from across the country every year.
Youngsters of the country, more particularly, wait with eagerness for
the Ekushey Mela that unfolds its carnivalesque mood with the soothing
breeze of spring and people from all walks of life merge in joy and
take part in solemn observance of the occasion, Ekushey Boi Mela. (DS,
Feb. 9. 2001
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[An Update on Ekushey Boi Mela]:
Visitors crowd book fair
Staff Correspondent
The Amar Ekushey Book Fair yesterday saw the highest number of visitors
so far as people thronged the fair premises on the weekend after two
days of hartal called by the opposition political parties.
As people more or less remained indoors during the dawn-to-dusk hartals
on Wednesday and Thursday, the number of visitors to the fair was
insignificant on those days. The month-long fair dedicated to the
martyrs of language movement completed a week on Thursday. The number
might rise further on Saturday, a weekly holiday.
The arrival of new books at the fair is yet to gain momentum as
publishers are still a bit hesitan about bringing in more new books
against the backdrop of a looming political turmoil. Sale of books this
year is not satisfactory compared to last year as political unrest
began soon after the fair's opening. "We are watching the political
situation and might bring in more books by the middle of February,"
said a leading publisher. Publishers take preparations all year long
for bringing out new books on the occasion of the Amar Ekushey Book
fair, the largest Bengali literary congregation.
The University Press Limited (UPL) has published six books so far for
this year's book fair. The books are 'Out of Periphery: Development of
Coastal Chars in South Eastern Bangladesh' by Kien de Wild, 'Socio-
Legal Status of Bengali Women in Bangladesh' by Saira Rahman Khan,
'Journey within Islam' by Justice Mohammad Golam Rabbani and volumes
1,2 and 3 of 'Bangladesh Education Sector Review', a World Bank
publication.
Kakoli Prokashani published a series of books for juveniles including
biographies of some noted personalities including Begum Rokeya,
Rabindranath Tagore, Jibananda Das, Michael Madhusudan Dutt and also
some children's fantasies.
A discussion titled "The demand and prospect of 21st Century: The
Crisis of Democracy in Bangladesh" was organised yesterday as part of a
month-long discussion programme organised by Bangla Academy on the
occasion of the Ekushey Book Fair. Presided over by Prof. Shamsul Huda
Harun, the function was attended by Finance Minister Shah AMS Kibria as
chief guest. Prof. Imtiaz Ahmed presented the keynote paper and Zaglul
Ahmed Chowdhury and Mohammad Humayun Kabir participated among others in
the discussion.
Today's discussion is titled "The demand and prospect of 21st Century:
The Future of Bangladesh's Economy". Dr. Ali Akbar Ali Khan will
present the keynote paper and Prof. Anu Mohammad and M. M Akash will
discuss the paper. Prof. Muzaffar Ahmed will preside.
Meanwhile, Sammilita Sanskritik Jote held cultural programmes at the
Central Shaheed Minar for the second day yesterday, rendering songs,
poems and dramas. The programmes will continue tomorrow.[The DAILY
STAR, February 10, 2001]
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catering foods in the Bangla Academy Book Fair. They are illegally
taking the fair space without any money. This is of course not any
surprise, nothing new from BCL. What is next, the BCL goons will occupy
the rest rooms in the fair, call them 'Bangabandhu Paikhana' and charge
public for using them. Mujib sainik moves forward!]
Political goons vitiating book fair atmosphere: BCL forces stalls
(From NFB)
Muscle power of political activists is vitiating the normal atmosphere
of the 'Amar Ekushey Granthamela 2001" being held on the premises of
Bangla Academy alleged the bookstall owners.
It is alleged that some Chhatra League leaders have established food
stalls inside the book fair violating the rules.
The 'mela' authorities gave permission only to Pepsi-Cola and 'Pushti'
for selling foods and drinks on the fair premises.
But some leaders of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student front of the
ruling Bangladesh Awami League, have set up two moving restaurants
illegally occupying a big portion of the book fair. As a result,
gathering of people infront of the restaurants and the leftover foods
thrown away by them are polluting the environment alleged the book
stall owners.Some visitors complained that they were charging more than
what is printed on the price list.
The stalls named "Esho Kichu Khai" and "Rashna" did not take any
permission from the book fair authorities, sources say.A number of
smokers were seen smoking around the stalls though the fair had been
declared "smoking and polythene free."
Eighty six new books mostly novels and story books came to the fair
yesterday. The books of novelist Humayun Ahmed were still in great
demand.Base Limited is selling CD-Rom of learning the elementary
lessons of Bangla Language for children at the stall of 'Patshala'. The
price of the CD-Rom is Tk five hundred.
A discussion meeting on "Expectations and Prospects of the 21st
Century: Future of Economy in Bangladesh" was also held at the stage of
Bangla Academy. Prof Muzaffar Ahmed was in the chair.
Prof Anu Muhammad and M M Akash took part in the discussion on the
keynote presented by Dr Akbar Ali Khan.
Meanwhile, the visitors were delighted by the 'baul' songs presented by
Kiran Chandra Roy, Bina Majumdar, Motaleb Dewan, Anwar Dewan, Jalal
Dewan, Abdul Awal and Shudhir Mandal. S R Shamim presented the music
show.
Sammilita Sanskritik Jote presented drama shows and held recitation of
poems at the Central Shahid Minar as part of its twelve day programme
to mark 'Amar Ekush'.
Nattolok staged the satirical drama "Mahabidya" developed on the theme
of theft. The artists of Drishti presented songs while Sandan and
Bishya Kala Kendra recited poems highlighting the significance of the
language movement. Shahida Ahmed Shadhana presented the whole cultural
function.
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