Sellers unhappy with ‘social media addicted’ youths

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair used to remain crowded even on working days with huge participation from the youths scrambling to get their hands on the new books of their favourite writers.

But nowadays very few from the young generation buy books even though the number of daily visitors is huge as most stay busy taking photos to share on social media.

With most visitors either hanging out at the fair or taking photos/selfies, publishers and booksellers have been struggling to meet their daily turnover target since the month-long fair started.

The massive crowds every day never justified their daily sales, they said, adding that the tendency and habit of reading books among young people have drastically gone down and this is alarming.

“It hasn’t been great so far. We are not happy with our turnover,” said Robin Ahasan, publisher of Shrabon Prokashan.

“I saw very few young people buy books at the fair. Most of them were busy taking selfies to boost their social media presence. We sold books mostly to middle-aged people and senior citizens,” he said.

Almost each year publishers and booksellers demands extension of the fair. But this year, they are not likely to go for that due to low and unsatisfactory sales, said Jahidul Islam Tuhin, CEO of Nalonda Prokashon.

Rajiur Rahamn Raj, publisher of Akash Prokashon, echoed the same. He said that many people, especially the young generation, come to the stall only to take photos in front of the books on display. “They don’t even touch or check out the books. The tendency has increased gradually.”

Many readers also expressed frustration over the social media addiction of the youths.

Jiyasmin Rahman, a private job holder, has visited the fair several times over the past few weeks. “I found most of the youth busy passing time and posting photos on social media, instead of actually looking at or buying books at the book fair. These types of activities only tarnish the beauty of the fair,” she said.

Authors of books also said that the young generation must grow up with a habit of reading books outside the academic curriculum to become better human beings. This should be included in the education policy.

Writer Nazneen Haque Mimi said the number of readers in the country is reducing increasingly. “Most people leave the fair without browsing or even purchasing books. It’s not a good sign.

“Steps should be taken to make the practice of reading all types of books among the youths mandatory to help them become better for the country’s future,” she added.