The curtain of the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair drops today (March 2) on the premises of Bangla Academy at the Suhrawardy Uddyan in Dhaka. Meanwhile, the time of the fair was extended by two days to fulfill the demand of the publishers. It was expected that sales would be satisfactory on Friday but on Thursday night, the mourning shadows fell on the fair due to the fire in the multi-storey building on Bailey Road. So, the fair was not as crowded as before on Friday. There was also a shadow of mourning among the writers and publishers. Today (March 2) the last day of book fair, publishers hopes that people will gather the fair again. According to the Bangla Academy information centre, the number of new books in this year's book fair is more than 3,800. About 219 new books introduced to the fair on the extended day.  

The deadline of Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2024 has been extended for two more days. As a result, the largest book fair in the country will continue till March 2.  According to the publishers, they will enjoy a surge in sales during two weekly holidays. The publishers could not enjoy a good strat due to earlier preparations and rain. So, many are suffering financially.  Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Nurul Huda announced the extension date of the book fair from the announcement center at 9pm. He said the book fair has been extended by two days with the kind consent of the Prime Minister. He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has responded to the request to extend the deadline for the book fair by two days. The book fair will continue till March 2.

The month-long "Amar Ekushey Grantha Mela 2024", the country's largest book fair, is going to begin on its traditional date of the first day of February this year. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to open the fair to be held under the auspices of Bangla Academy on its premises and Suhrawardy Udyan on February 1 at 3 pm," Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair Committee Dr KM Muzahidul Islam told BSS.   A total of 895 stalls have been allocated to 573 organizations. Among them 786 are general stalls while 109 stalls will be dedicated to little magazine chattar, said Muzahidul. Moreover, a total of 37 pavilions have been allocated this year. Last year, a total of 901 stalls were allocated in favour of 601 organizations. This year, the entire work of the fair is being done by Bangla Academy alone to avoid any criticism, said Muzahidul, adding, "In the previous years, some event management companies were involved in fair arrangements which faced some criticism last year".   The preparation for the fair started soon after the end of the last fair and committees have been formulated in three-phase - committee for preparation phase, committee for inaugural ceremony and separate committees for conducting the month-long fair. Along with cultural programmes and month-long seminars, there will be arrangements for children and teenagers which include drawing, music and recitation competitions. Stall allotment for old and newly enlisted publications was done through a digitalized lottery system on January 23, said the organizers. Meanwhile, besides the enlisted 601 organizations, some 70 new publications have applied to get stall allocation responding to the notice. Among them, 23 new publications got selected.   Like previous years, the main stage of the fair will be on the Bangla Academy premises while book unwrapping and 'Lekhak Bolchi' stages will be set up on Suhrawardi Udyan premises, said Mujahidul. 'Shishu Chattar' has also been set up in Sadhu Shanga area beside the Ramna Kali Temple. For notable contributions to various aspects of Bangla literature, this year, the Bangla Academy Literary Award-2023 will be given to 16 individuals in 11 categories- poetry, fiction, essay/research, translation, drama, children's literature category, Liberation War, Bangabandhu, environment/science field, biography and folklore.   Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hand over the awards at the inaugural ceremony of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2024 scheduled to begin on February 1, said the release. The award recipients are: Shamim Azad (poetry), Novelists Nuruddin Jahangir and Salma Bani (jointly in fiction), Zulfikar Matin (essay/research), Saleha Chowdhury (translation), Playwrights Mrittika Chakma and Masud Pathik (jointly in drama), Tapankar Chakrabarty (children's literature), Afroza Parvin and Asaduzzaman Asad (research on the Liberation War), Saifullah Mahmud Dulal and Md Mojibur Rahman (research on Bangabandhu), ornithologist Inam Al Haque (environment/science field), Ishak Khan (biography) and Tapan Bagchi and Suman Kumar Das (jointly in folklore). Meanwhile, Dhaka Metropolitan Police has taken all measures like the previous years to ensure foolproof security of the Fair considering current political situation and challenges caused from operation of the metro rail in the book  fair area. Militancy, arson attacks and traffic management are among the main challenges centering the book fair, DMP said in a press release after a meeting with senior police officials. DMP observed that Metrorail service has appeared as a new challenge as it was noticed that miscreants have been trying to carry out sabotages on the Metrorail. However, DMP will deploy a sufficient number of police personnel in both uniform and plain cloth inside and outside the book fair ground while a watch tower and fire tender will be set up to monitor everything around the fair venue, he said. Besides, the fairground and its surroundings will be monitored round the clock with CCTV cameras and drones, DMP commissioner said. Team of DMP will sweep the whole venue while social media will be monitored to thwart rumours.   Source: BSS

The people of Kashmir are rejoicing as the renowned Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden secures a distinguished position in the esteemed World Book of Records (London). Nestled amidst the picturesque foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range, this accolade recognizes the garden's status as Asia's largest tulip heaven, adorned with an awe-inspiring array of 1.5 million tulip bulbs showcasing an astonishing collection of 68 distinct tulip varieties. Echoing the sentiments of the locals, it's widely believed that Kashmir holds immense untapped potential. The region's natural beauty and the magnificence of the tulip garden have once again put it in the spotlight. In a formal ceremony hosted at the Tulip Garden, the Commissioner Secretary of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, received the certification from the President and CEO of the World Book of Records (London), Santosh Shukla. The event was graced by the presence of Dilip N Pandit, Editor of World Book of Records (London), the Director of Floriculture Kashmir, various officials, and dedicated gardening staff.

A book titled “The Immense Cost of the Naga Struggle from British Rule to Statehood,” was released in Wokha on April 3 at the residence of late P.E. Ezung. Dr. Jan Ezung Nienu, daughter of late P.E. Ezung revised the original book “NKOLO NCHUNG,” (Ancient Today) with the help of her siblings. The book was launched by E.T. Ezung, former speaker along with the family members and friends. The programme was chaired by Dr. Nsanthung Ezung, director Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services who paid heartfelt tribute to his late father along with E.T. Ezung, Abeni T.C.K and Dr. Jan Ezung Nienu. Late P.E Ezung served as Agriculture Officer who resigned from service and joined active politics along with A.Z. Phizo and other Naga leaders. Ezung played a vital role who strived for peace and statehood of Nagaland. He was also one of the signatories to the 16 Point Agreement, and served as an Interim Body Member (IBM) from 1961 to 1963. Source: nagalandpost.com

On Thursday, March 02, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and UNICEF launch the book “Pass It To Rizwana” written by an American elementary teacher Crystal Pottebaum developed by Her Story Foundations and Deshi Ballers supported by UNICEF.  This book will show how a girl can remove all barriers and engage her and her friends in sports.  Elisa Calpona, Child protection Manager in UNICEF explained that a new partnership between UNICEF and Ministry of Youth and Sports sealed in 2022 and in only 4 months allowed 1.6 million girls and boys to play sports.  3,7 million children and parents received awareness on violence prevention during almost 500 sports tournaments.  This a community-led approach owned by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and therefore sustainable and scalable nationwide.  Natalie McCauley, the Chief of Child Protection vows to everyone to create a world where every girl has the opportunity to participate in sports and reach their full potential.  The author of “Pass It To Rizwana”, Crystal Pottebaum shared her experience to learn Bangladeshi culture and how a true story can motivate other children and parents to engage their children in sports.  The secretary, Dr. Mohiuddin Ahmed shared how important sports are for children and thanked UNICEF for incorporating sports to end violence and for the partnership of UNICEF and Ministry of Youth and Sports.   At the end of the event a basketball match was conducted between the two teams of the book 'The Scholars' and 'Alien Eggs'.

Shuktara Samkalpa from Assam is the state's youngest published author in English. Not just in Assam, she might also be the youngest published author in English in the country. Samkalpa's latest work, "Scribbling of Reporter Rodent", which she wrote while she was under 14 years old, has been published by Black Pepper of Chhapakhana Publishers of Kolkata. The book is available at the 46th International Kolkata Book Fair, making her the youngest author at this mega event. "Scribbling of Reporter Rodent" includes articles written on various topics, including one on Greek Mythology and Harry Potter's Lord Voldemort, to name a few. "Most of Shuktara's writings were written when she was 11-14. Most of these writings published in this 80-page collection have been earlier published online under the pen name Reporter Rodent. Hence, the final anthology is named so," said Deepayan Dhar from Black Paper.  The book was introduced at the book fair by the former principal of Santiniketan Patha Bhavan Supriyo Tagore. Source:Gplus

Amar Ekushey Book Fair, widely known as 'Ekushey Boi Mela', is one of the traditional fair of independent Bangladesh. Every year this fair is held throughout the month of February in the Bardhaman House premises of Bangla Academy and around the Bardhaman House. Since 2014, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been expanded to Suhrawardy Udyan the opposite side of Bangla Academy. However, a part of the fair is also organized in Bangla Academy premises.  'In The 21st February 1952, some valiant sons of the then East Pakistan (present Bangladesh) sacrificed their lives to establish Bangla as the state language.  For remembering the sacrifice of valiant sons a book fair is organized by Bangla Academy and featured as the 'Amar Ekushey Boi Mela' held annually in the month of February “Some changes have been brought in arranging stalls and pavilions and entry and exit points.  Disciplinary and monitoring activities will be strengthened and digital boards will replace previous analogue information boards,” Member Secretary of Amar Ekushey Book Fair Committee Dr KM Muzahidul Islam told. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the month-long "Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2023", the country's largest book fair, at 3pm on February 1, he added. This year, the noted actor will once again be publishing a storybook, titled "Ronjit Godhuli". The book will be published under the Priyo Bangla Production house. "I write for my passion and love for writing. I feel really good when readers receive my books with love. So, I hope they will also enjoy my new book as well," shared Abul Hayat. National Award-winning actor and director, Tauquir Ahmed will be publishing a book on theatre plays, at the book fair. Director Animesh Aich will also be publishing a novel this year, titled "Ek Botol Ondhokar" under the Kingbodonti publication house. Speaking about the moment, Animesh said, "I feel accomplished when I see people reading my book." Film director Arun Chowdhuri has been writing books for quite some time, to better connect with readers. This year, he will be releasing a new book titled "Koyek Fota Jol" under Annanya publications. Prominent actress Ashna Habib Bhabna became quite popular amongst readers for her books. So far, she has published a total of three novels at the Ekushey Boi Mela. This year, she will be launching her fourth novel, titled "Kajer Meye", under the Kingbodonti publication house. Readers can also look forward to "Premtantrik Prithibir Shopno Theke Bicchuto Hoyar Age" by singer Sajia Sultana Putul, which will be hitting the stalls at this year's book fair.  Putul has been a regular writer at the fair for the last couple of years. "I am very thankful to my readers for receiving my books so positively, over the past few years. I hope they won't be disappointed with my new book this year," said Putul. Lux Superstar and actor Shanu will be publishing a poetry book and a novel titled, "Valobashar Epar Opar" and "Lipstick", respectively.  The poetry book will be published under Ajob publication, while the novel will be published under Annanya publication. Seven pavilions with 182 stalls have been shifted from the Institution of Engineers area to the main venue of the fairground upon the requests of publishers concerning their business issues, KM Mujahidul Islam, Member secretary of Amar Ekushey Book Fair committee said.  Thus, the main entry point to the fair’s Suhrawardy Udyan area has also been changed and temple gate of the Suhrawardy Udyan, just opposite to the Bangla Academy, will be the main gate of entry. The stalls of service-providing institutions like police, ansar and fire service have been set up in the spot near Institution of Engineers while two confined zones out of the main venue have also been dedicated for food courts and there will be no unorganised, open or street type food shops, he added. ‘Shishu Chattar (children’s yard)’ has also been shifted from its previous place to Sadhu Sangha area this year. Like previous years, the main stage of the fair will be on the Bangla Academy premises while book unwrapping and ‘Lekhak Bolchi’ stages will be set up on Suhrawardy Udyan premises, said Mujahidul.  Another addition to this year’s book fair is ‘Digital Board’ which will be visible in the key points of the fairground containing different types of information, including newly published books to let the visitors get informed easily. Taskforce will be on ‘hard-line’ in the book fair from the very first day to ensure that rules, regulations and instructions are being followed properly and thus, the publishers are asked to submit information each day to the Bangla Academy about each new book coming in the fairground. Law and order will strictly be maintained, he said, adding that each individual or organisation will be brought under punishment or penalty if they violate or do not follow the instructions given by the fair authority. “Taskforce will also have the authority to seize any newly published book if a copy of the same is not submitted to the fair authority,” he added. “We are trying hard to maintain the aesthetic beauty and security of this traditional fair,” he said, adding, “There is no security threat over the month-long book fair, according to the inter-ministerial meeting.” Talking to BSS, Agami Prokashoni Publisher Osman Goni said, “This year, the overall arrangement including setting up of stalls, is being carried out orderly. The publishers eagerly wait for the fair as 90 per cent of new books are published on the occasion of the fair”. Selling foreign and pirated books has been banned in the fair which is being appreciated by the publishers, he said, adding, “We hope that there will be no opportunity for anyone to do anything unusual or unethical as the taskforce will be playing an active role throughout the fair.” There will be 470 stalls, including 367 general stalls, 69 stalls on children yard and 64 pavilions on the Suhrawardy Udyan while there will 103 general stalls and 147 pavilions on the Bangla Academy premises. A total of 704 stalls except the pavilions will take part in this year's book fair. Source: The daily Star and BSS

The month-long "Amar Ekushey Grantha  Mela 2023", the country's largest book fair, is going to begin on its traditional date of the first day of February this year after three years interval. "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to open the fair in person this year at 3pm on February 1," Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair Committee Dr KM Muzahidul Islam told.    In 2020, the traditional book fair began on February 2 due to elections to the two Dhaka city corporations while the fair was differed till March 18 in 2021 and February 15 in 2022 due to the global coronavirus pandemic. Muzahidul, also Bangla Academy director (administration, human resources and planning division), said about 80 percent of the preparatory work has already been completed on Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan premises. While visiting the book fair venue, it was observed that preparations for the book fair are going on in full-swing on Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan premises since the fair management committee hoped that the preparation would be completed before the stipulated time.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today showed her last respect to the Queen Elizabeth II. She paid respect to the late Queen at her lying-in-state in Westminster Hall and signed a book of condolence at Lancaster House. Earlier on September 15, Sheikh Hasina arrived in London on an official visit to the United Kingdom (UK) to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida Muna Tasneem while briefing the reporters said that in the morning the Prime Minister along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana went to the Palace of Westminster to pay their last respect to the Queen.   Sheikh Hasina there observed one-minute silence as the mark of respect to the late Queen at the Westminster Hall of the Palace of Westminster where the body of Elizabeth II was kept lying-in-state. On her arrival at the Westminster, representative of the British Speaker received the Bangladesh premier and her younger sister. Later, they were taken to the Lancaster House where the condolence book was opened.  There, sheikh Hasina wrote her condolence message in Bengali. The Prime Minister wrote, “I am expressing deep condolence on behalf of the people of Bangladesh, my family and my younger sister Sheikh Rehana.” After that, the Prime Minister was taken to another room where she gave her tribute to the Queen in front of television. In the Lancaster House, UK State Minister for Foreign Affairs Vicky Ford received her. The Prime Minister reminisced that she met the late Queen for eight or nine times and the Queen used to know her by her first name. “She was a motherly figure to me, I lost someone like my mother,” she shared with the UK state Minister for Foreign Affairs. “… it seems a guardian is gone (as she has died),” she added. Saida Muna Tasneem said that both the premier and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana saw the Queen in 1961 when she had visited the then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).  Sheikh Hasina also said that the late Queen was like a global guardian and due to her death a vacuum has been created. In the condolence book, the Bangladesh High Commissioner said, Sheikh Rehana, who is also a British citizen, wrote that "she is the queen of our hearts and will always remain.” Source: BSS AH