The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, or Boi Mela, is almost here. Bangla Academy, the traditional guardian of the month-long book fair, which takes the form of a literature festival, has already allotted stalls and pavilions to the publishers. Visiting the fairgrounds in Suhrawardy Uddyan and Bangla Academy’s sprawling premises in recent days, UNB observed that the publishers have been working diligently to prepare their stalls and pavilions since receiving their allotment on January 23. The publishers were seen instructing their workers and carpenters to build the stalls according to their preferred design - some simple and traditional, others quite extravagant. While talking to UNB at the fair premises, the publishers expressed their hope to see even bigger crowds than previous ones due to the Metro Rail opening in the city. They mentioned the two metro stations located near the fairgrounds (Shahbagh and TSC stations), which will allow people from distant locations in the city to attend the fair easily and smoothly. Ahmed Munir, the proprietor of Uchhas Publications, is confident this year's fair will be more crowded than ever, and the number of readers and visitors will increase. Many people will come from different parts of the country even, because the overall communication system is much better now. So, readers will be able to come to the fair very easily and in less time than before. Curtain falls on Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2023

Adequate measures have been taken to ensure foolproof security ahead  of Ekushey Book Fair, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam. “Book fair is a festival like Pahela Baishakh and  ensuring  security at the fair is one of the biggest responsibilities  of DMP,” he said while talking to reporters over the overall security measures at Suhrawardy Uddyan on Sunday. Read: Ekushey book fair extension depends on Covid situation: Khalid This year security will be tightened at book fair premises, Shaheed Minar to Shahbag and Nilkhet and  primary checking  teams will be deployed in the areas, said the DMP Boss. No vehicles will be allowed at book fair premises and there will be six entrances, he said adding everyone should enter the fair venue through the archway after metal detector checking.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair is witnessing a growing number of visitors every day. Booklovers from around the city and even outside are thronging the fairgrounds spanned from Bangla Academy premises to nearby Suhrawardy Uddyan.