Preparation for Amar Ekushey Boi Mela -2021, to welcome thousands of book lovers to begin from March 18, is going on in full swing at Shuhrawardy Udyan ground and Bangla Academy premises.
Though delayed due to the corona pandemic, hundreds of publishers, designers, and workers are spending busy time to prepare the ground on 15 lakh square feet with sturdy materials considering the pre-monsoon season with the festive mood.
The book fair is traditionally held from February 1. The Fair 2021 will continue till April 14 under strict health safety guidelines.
"The total areas of the pavilion of the fair has been increased this year from its previous areas of 7.5 lakh square feet considering the coronavirus pandemic to maintain social distancing. This year a total of 522 publications will participate in this fair. There are 817 units and 33 pavilions," Dr Jalal Ahmed, Member Secretary of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela-2021 arrangement committee told this correspondent.
"We have instructed publishers to get the stalls and the pavilions ready before March 16. They are working in full swing. I hope they would be able to complete the tasks on time," added Md Jalal Ahmed.
Anannya Prokashani Manager Md Nazrul Islam was spending a busy time with workers to get their stall ready on time. He told Bangladesh Post, "We get very little time for preparation. We have hired more people this year so that we can have our construction works completed before time."
"We have published fewer books this year facing an uncertain situation arising by Covid-19. We have around two thousand regular writers. Every year we publish around 2000 new books. Sadly, in 2021 the number is expected to be around 200," added Md Nazrul Islam.
To mark the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the Golden Jubilee of the independence of Bangladesh, a total of 100 hundred books on Bangabandhu will be published by Bangla Academy.
The autobiography of Bangabandhu and his family members, liberation war, and language movement history-related books would get priority for publication.
“Shishu Chattar, Ami Lekhak Balchi, Children hour, Food Corner, and others will be arranged under strict health safety rules. We would also ensure securing the entire premises,” said Bangla Academy authority.
