Sayeda Rimi Sardar
The magical Ekushey Book Fair ended in the scorching heat filled with joy and happiness. Overcoming all the criticism and obstacles, the book fair was inaugurated on February 15 on a larger scale around the grandeur of the traditionally decorated Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan next to the Dhaka University premises, the heart of the capital. There was no failure with trying to attract the general public to the book by overcoming the corona pandamic. The agencies in charge of administration were very active and friendly. From the side of the Engineering Institute to the mausoleum of the three leaders, a few arches were paved with huge arches. On the other hand, there were two roads in the premises of Bangla Academy. There was also the humanitarian service of several other organizations including the police blood bank, blood donation activities of several organizations including Sandhani. As always, the gathering at the Little Mag Square for chatting was eye catching. The playing of guitar on the grass carpet was an excellent arrangement for the gathering of friends almost every day. Ordinary people have come from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the beloved author-poet or to collect the book of his/her favorite author. Anisul Haque was absolutely devoted to the whole book fair. His sincerity has touched the minds of common people. I didn’t get a copy of the story of the Ruddo Diner Golpo written by my dear Nahida Ashraf so I was a little upset. But the day was remarkably memorable. It is very difficult to find such wonderful people in one field. Mustafa’s extraordinary poetic personality was seen. In that event, opportunities to get along with many more favorite poets and writers. I missed my favorite writers Shelly Zaman and Razia Nazmi the most at this year’s book fair. There were some wonderful memories of the last book fair with Shelley. This time I went wearing saree with your inspiration.Also thare were many beautiful minded people including Gule, Rahnama, Shuvra and Lucky.
The ‘Nangor’ occupies a special place in my heart. The location of Nangor was in the Little Mag precinct of the fair. The whole Nangor courtyard was enlivened by the presence of many students of Dhaka University. My friend Sumon has established Nangor falling in love with the river. I have always been a lover of nature. The green forest and the roar of the river draws me very much. Rivers are the lifeblood of our country. We are working on these so that the life of the river is not lost in the development of the country’s infrastructure. I am proud to be a member of Nangor. We are not tied to the pace of development but helpful. But that’s not why the river kills. The Nangor consisted of various books on river information including river pollution control were arranged.
This year’s book fair did not break even in a severe storm. There may have been obstacles to achieving business success. Yet, in the midst of such a difficult time, ordinary people, including readers, seem to have rushed to collect this book over and over again to breathe a sigh of relief. Various events took place from afternoon to night with family and friends. Considering the business aspects of the general public and publishers, the time limit of the fair was extended till March 17. Flower-bangle-colored shops all over the fair grounds made the fair more elegant. Ignoring the unbearable heat, people rushed to the fair with various excuses. Many books have been unveiled every day. Behind the real device technology of the digital age is the soul of the helpless people. It was for the children, so special children’s watch and Shishimpur’s excellent initiative. It was as if the theme of the fair was to beat people of caste, religion and tribe only for human beings.
This year’s book fair bids farewell to all readers with a heavy heart on the birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu on March 17. This is the last chapter of the book fair. Many beautiful memories and holy Shabe-Barat and Dol Jatra went with the gift. Let the Bangladesh of non-communal Bengali harmony be our education and culture. May the beautiful transparent light of Bangladesh be established for the next generation.
The writer is a journalist, women’s rights activist, social and environmental worker.
