The Sparsho Braille Publications stall at the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been drawing special attention for its unique initiative to provide free books for visually impaired individuals. 

Many visitors have been praising the idea of making books accessible to visually impaired readers, while some have stopped by to explore and feel the books in Braille. 

Sparsho Foundation’s ‘Sparsho Braille Publications’ has been publishing books for the fair since 2011.

Arifur Rahman, a volunteer at the stall, said, “We publish books every year. This year, we have released eight books, all of which are being distributed for free. Those interested need to register for free, and we set a specific date towards the end of the fair for book distribution to the visually impaired.”

When asked about the types of books available, another volunteer, Usha, said, “We have a variety of books, including rhymes, novels, and health-related books. However, the response has been slightly lower this year.”

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A visitor named Asha expressed her appreciation for the initiative, saying, “The efforts of Sparsho Braille Foundation to make literature accessible to the visually impaired are commendable. This is the first time I have seen Braille books up close and felt their texture. It is inspiring to see how visually impaired individuals engage with literature in this way.” 

Meanwhile, another stall named ‘36 July’ has been attracting attention purely for its photo-worthy setup. The stall features symbolic imagery related to the July Uprising, drawing visitors who are stopping to take pictures. 

Rakib, a student, said, “I really like this initiative. It reminds us of our brothers and sisters who sacrificed their lives in the July Uprising. ‘36 July’ is not just a date—it is an emotion, a sentiment.”