February in Dhaka, Bangladesh, becomes a literary haven as Sohrawardy Udyan is taken over by the Ekushey Book Fair. Picture this: vibrant stalls adorned with countless books, a lively atmosphere, and the scent of fresh print filling the air. As spring unfolds and leaves gently fall, the cuckoo calls as visitors wander amoung young book lovers wearing flower rings and strolling hand in hand.

Bidhan Rebeiro is a Bengali writer, film scholar, film critic, documentary film director and CEO of the convergence media platform Songbad Prokash. He lives and works in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The book fair is testament to Bangladesh's deep appreciation for literature. Organized by the Bangla Academy, this month-long event , which covers an impressive 1.1 million square feet, annually welcomes over 600 publishers and tens of thousands of visitors.

Named the "Ekushey Book Fair" in remembrance of the language martyrs of 1952, it holds a special place in the hearts of Bangladeshis. Ekushey translates to ' 21st day' in Bangla. On 21st february 1952 , Rafiq, Salam, Barkat ,Jabbar and numerous others sacrificed their lives, calling for the recognition of Bengali as the official state language. This shocking event sparked the independence movement in East Pakistan, leading eventually to the 1971 Liberation War. To honour the memory of those whose lives were lost, The Ekushey Book Fair is now held as a symbol of love for the mother tongue.

Ekushey Book Fair @Bangladesh Tourism Board

The fair's official theme for 2024, "Read Books, Build a Country, Bangabandhu's Bangladesh," pays homage to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of the nation, affectionately known as 'Bangabandhu.' His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Now in her fifth consecutive term, she is the longest serving Prime Minister in Bangladesh's history. Given her influential role, numerous books are regularly released during the book fair about both Sheikh Hasina and Bangabandhu. It's worth noting that only a handful of these books are considered substantial and of high quality. As is customary, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the opening of the book fair on February 1.

Bidhan Rebeiro

Whilst the fair boasts an impressive array of books – averaging around 100 new releases daily – not all are gems. Mostly featuring poetry, stories, and novels, the quality can vary. However, during the final week, discerning readers sift through the book selections: these teachers, researchers, writers and students ensure that quality triumphs over quantity. Families flock to the fair on Fridays and Saturdays, enjoying activities during the "Shishu Prahar" (Children's Time). Parents, coming primarily for a day out, often find themselves leaving with a book or two for their children.

For publishers, the fair is a bonanza, with an average of approximately 60 Crore bdt (around five million dollars) worth of books sold during the last five years. The central location allows readers to explore diverse publishers, creating a one-stop literary destination. This year, the fair has faced some criticism, particularly regarding stall allocation. However, the addition of a metro rail facility has improved accessibility, resulting in a successful event in terms of visitor numbers. Unfortunately, book sales fell short of expectations, leading to discussions around potential improvements for the future.
Nonetheless, the Ekushey Book Fair remains a cherished annual event. Book enthusiasts relish the chance to immerse themselves in a world of literature, engaging in "Adda" – a delightful tradition of chitchat with friends and acquaintances. As the fair drew to a close on March 2nd, book lovers departed with not only their purchases but also treasured memories of a month-long celebration of books, culture, and community.