Ekushey Book Fair, now in its last week, is drawing large crowds. Bangla Academy sources informed that this year, more than 900 new books including stories, poems, plays and essays had already been unveiled at the fair.
Two leading book publishers talked to The Daily Star about the fair, their publications and other subjects.
Syed Zakir Hossain, publisher and chief executive officer of Adorn Publication, said, “I always feel excited about taking part in the Ekushey Book Fair. For the last 14 years, we have been taking part in this major event. This year, the country is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Language Movement. As a publisher, I have published Bengali books of many writers over the decades.
“Adorn has an experienced editorial board, which comprises noted academics, scholars and writers. Before publishing a book, we send the manuscripts to the editorial board for evaluation.
“We have published books written by both promising and seasoned writers. We also try to publish research-based books. It is regrettable that many publishing houses have been producing poorly edited and substandard books. This tarnishes the image of publishing houses.”
Adorn is offering 70 new publications at the ongoing Ekushey Boi Mela. Notable books include “Amar Chhelebela” by the late Kabir Chowdhury; “Rabindranath Tagore and Victoria Ocampo: The Creative Touch” and “Bangladesh and Intercultural Collage” by Anwar Dil; “Aesthetics of Gandhi” by Dr. Syed Mohammad Shahed; “Jai Bangla” by Muntasir Mamun (translated by Kabir Chowdhury); “The Python” by Professor Haroonuzzaman; “Jibanananda Das' poems” (translated by Mostaque Ahmed); “Folk Tales of Bangladesh” by Kabir Chowdhury and others.
Milan Kanti Nath, of Anupam Prokashoni, said, “We have published all kinds of books including novels, essays and travelogues. Before publishing a book, we first think about our readers' requirements. We always try to meet their hopes and expectations. This year, Anupam is celebrating its 33rd anniversary. From its inception till now we have published over 600 books.
“My main concerns are the quality of the books (particularly quality of papers and documents) and illustrations. Badly edited works are likely to ruin the reputation of the publishing house. We need to establish an institution that can provide efficient editors and publishers. Ekushey Boi Mela embodies the soul of Bengali nationalism and helps convey much required knowledge to the masses.”
At this year's book fair, Anupam Prokashoni is offering 33 new books. Notable publications include “Rachana Samagra” by Shahid Saber; “Rachana Samagra Teen” by Jotin Sarkar; Rabindranath-er Khapa” by Dr. Morshed Shafiul Ahmed; “Nihoto Rabindranath” by Rajib Sarkar; “Muktijuddher Smriti O Gaan” by Selim Reza; “Teen Purusher Rajniti” by Rafiq Kaisar; “Kishore Natok Samagra” by Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and others.