The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2022 wore a festive look on Friday with people of all ages touring the permises.
The Bangla Academy grounds and Suhrawardy Udyan saw the biggest crowds. The bibliophiles were checking newly published books and buying their favorite ones.
Ali Mohammed Robel, a student of Uttara University, who came to visit the fair from Uttara, said, Shawkat Osman is my favourite writer. All of his books are not available in the ordinary libraries in Uttara. So I came here to check all his books.
I have already bought two books by Shawkat Osman – Kirthodasher Hashi and Janani.
I also made a short list of some books by my favourite writer. Though I got a good vibe today, I will come next Friday to buy the books.
Tamrolipi Prokashoni, a publication which mostly publishes the books of media celebrities, saw a big public gathering when singer Zunayed Evan visited the stall. Fans of Zunayed Evan crowded the stall to buy his book with an autograph and photo.
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Tahmira Urmi, a college student, said, ‘I am literally a die-hard fan of Evan's songs. But it is the chance to take photos and autographs, and I did not want to miss the chance.
Anisur Rahman, a staff of Somoy Prokashoni said that the visitors and sales were much higher than they expected on the fourth day of the fair. He also hoped the fair would draw a crowd and vibrate in the days ahead.
But most of the people were seen as indifferent to wearing face masks and maintaining health protocol.
Rakib Hossain, a student of Dhaka University Law Department, was visiting the fair without a mask with a friend.
He said, "I have mask in my pocket, but I do not wear it as it seems to me we are now in a new normal life."
Though all visitors were allowed wearing face masks and having temperature checks, they later broke the rule on entering the fairground.
Bangla Academy authority said, all arrangements have been made considering COVID-19. But it is not possible to meet every person and request them to wear masks. We are requesting all via loudspeakers to wear masks and maintain health guidelines.
