The wait for the next book fair

Thereport24.com, Dhaka:

Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2015, which ended on February 28, drew a fairly large number of visitors despite the ongoing political crisis.

Sales were higher compared to the previous year, with a total of 3,700 new books published in the fair.

According to Bangla Academy’s estimates, book sales at the fair hit Tk 21.95 crore, up from previous year’s figure of Tk 16.5 crore.

Although the fans of noted writer Humayun Ahmed missed him at the fair, there was no shortage of books penned by new authors.

A considerable number of poetry books were published in the fair, 877 to be exact, compared to 574 story books and 629 novels.

Besides, 119 research books, 94 children books, 90 biographies, 74 travelogues, 71 science books, 54 history books and 33 science fictions were published among other categories.

There were also some different stalls at the fair venue, with one of those promoting e-books. Some online newspapers also had their stalls.

As many as 565 publishers participated in the fair in 353 units. There were 11 pavilions, including Bangladesh Academy. 72 publishers showcased their books at the Little Mag corner while smaller publishers and self-publishers were allocated space at the stall of Jatiya Granthakendra.

Writers, readers and publishers will now wait for the next book fair which will be held in 2016.

Ends/thereport24.com/MI/Mar 02, 2015