Ekushey Book Fair wraps up with scant footfall, publishers disappointed
Despite the increased footfall on the final day, publishers said it was not enough to make up for sluggish sales earlier in the fair
Today (15 March) marked the close of the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair, leaving behind a swirl of discussions and critiques. While the final day saw a slight increase in visitors, publishers and readers alike felt that this year's fair fell short of expectations, with overall sales remaining comparatively slow throughout the month.
On the last day, readers were seen filling the grounds of Bangla Academy and Sohrawardi Udyan in the afternoon. Many came to buy books they had been eyeing or to collect new releases from their favourite authors. Some visitors simply strolled through the stalls to soak in the fair's atmosphere one last time.
For many, including Safa Islam, visiting the fair for the first time this year, the last day offered a chance to explore and make purchases. "I couldn't come earlier this year, and I hadn't prepared a list of books I wanted," she said. "Today, I plan to buy a few books."
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Despite the increased footfall on the final day, publishers said it was not enough to make up for sluggish sales earlier in the fair. Javed Emon of Muktodesh Publication, who has been participating in the fair for 18 years, noted a marked difference this year.
"Usually, sales pick up significantly from afternoon to evening, but this year that didn't happen. The crowd today is a bit more because it's the last day," he said.
Indrajit Sen Chowdhury of Muktodhara Publication shared a similar view, describing the fair as commercially underwhelming. "In previous years, readers would start coming from early February, and the fair would peak in the afternoon and evening. Many travelled from outside Dhaka to buy books or browse. But this year, the excitement was missing due to Ramadan and various dramatic incidents, which kept the audience away," he said.
Readers also expressed disappointment. ML Shikdar said, "The events that occurred even before the fair started discouraged many readers. There was also little promotion or marketing of good books." Saiful Islam added, "This year's fair felt lifeless. We look forward to this time every year, but the usual joy was missing."
Still, the last afternoon saw a modest revival of energy. Readers crowded the stalls, shopped in the final moments, and chatted with authors, bringing some of the fair's familiar atmosphere back
