The Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2022 drew huge crowds on Friday, the third weekend after it opened, as they visited the venue to buy and explore new publications.
The growing number of visitors also clocked better sales for most publishers.
'Shishu Prohor', a dedicated hour for children, was a special attraction on the day.
Shammas Abdullah, a fourth-grader, came to the fair with his parents to buy some comic and drawing books.
"I'm excited to see so many books at one place as I've come to the fair for the first time," he said.
Popular characters from Sisimpur, a children's TV series meant for learning with joy, performed at the venue to entertain children.
One visitor Atiq Marjuq accompanied his kids to introduce them with books beyond their academic syllabus.
"Books can be a good alternative to electronic gadgets for children provided that we can convince them the pleasure of reading," he said. The book fair has always been the best opportunity in this regard, Mr Marjuq added.
He expressed satisfaction with the overall arrangement of the fair spreading in a large area of Suhrawardy Udyan in addition to the Bangla Academy compound.
However, dust at the fairground is causing many, especially children, suffer, he observed.
Actually, visitors must wear a facemask to protect themselves from dust. It also helps contain the spread of coronavirus, he said.
"I think the fair is getting a good crowd since there is declining trend in coronavirus infection," Mr Marjuq mentioned.
Many book lovers do not want to miss the event this time as it did not sit last year.
Sales representative of Children Heaven Publication said they are getting good responses from customers to their education accessories in addition to their books meant for pastime.
"We're offering a magic writing notebook at a discount rate of Tk 600 from regular Tk 800," he told the FE.
He, however, said their sales turnover fell short of their expectations given the throng on Friday.
The fair, which has been extended to March 17, is open to book-lovers between 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm daily, while gates remain open from 11:00 am on holidays.
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