Amar Ekushey Book Fair is arranged to commemorate the historic language movement of 1952 which is keeping the literary exercise alive in Bangladesh.
Every year some of the public universities of the country participate in the book fair. This year four public universities-- Dhaka University, Jagannath University, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University and National University--are taking part in the fair. Last year three public universities participated. Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University is participating for the first time this year.
The authorities of these public universities said that this initiative has been taken to present their research and literary work to the book lovers of society and let the students concentrate more on literary practice.
Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Soumitra Sekhar Dey told The Business Post, "This is for the first time any university located outside Dhaka is participating in the book fair. It's a great feeling."
"It’s our new initiative so that the students get interested in going to the book fair and engage themselves in literary practice. By this participation, we can present to the readers what our teachers and publications do," he added.
Jagannath University VC Prof Dr Sadeka Halim said, "Journals published by Jagannath University Prokasana Sangstha and collections of literary works written by university teachers have been kept at the university's stall which will help the readers gain knowledge on various subjects."
National University VC Prof Dr Md Mashiur Rahman said, "We have been participating in the book fair since last year. The purpose of participating in the book fair is to present the books, written by our college teachers in front of the readers and encourage the students to practise literature."
"I think that a nation is fully exhibited through the practice of literature. For this, literary practice should be more and more. National University took the initiative to participate in the fair for this reason."
However, a total of 70 new titles hit the book fair on Monday.
At the programme "Lekhok Bolchi", poet Nasir Ahamed, poet Islam Rafiq, writer of juvenile literature Chandankrisna Pal and folklore researcher Sayeda Akhi Haque discussed their new books.
A discussion titled "Sesquicentennial Tribute: Mohammad Rawshan Ali" was held at 4 pm at the main stage of the book fair. Masud Rahman presented the article while Saiful Alam presided over the event.
A discussion titled "Remembrance: Muhammad Mansuruddin" will be held at the main stage of the fair on Bangla Academy ground at 4pm Tuesday.
