Despite the rapid digitalisation of reading materials, paperback books still remain the preferred choice among readers in the country, as research, surveys, and reports consistently indicate that physical books offer a more comfortable and distraction-free reading experience compared to digital alternatives, reports UNB.
While digital reading formats, particularly e-books, have gained some traction, younger generations continue to struggle with distractions from social media and a preference for quick, superficial information consumption rather than in-depth reading. This trend is having a significant impact on reading culture in the country.
The month-long Ekushey Book Fair 2024 concluded with sales of books worth approximately Tk 600 million, according to figures provided by the participating publishers and Bangla Academy. Bangla Academy alone sold books worth Tk 13.6 million.
In comparison, book sales in the previous years stood at Tk 470 million in 2023, Tk 525 million in 2022, and a pandemic-induced low of Tk 311 million in 2021, following a peak of Tk 820 million in 2020.
Paperback books remain popular due to their affordability. Their lower cost compared to hardcovers makes them more accessible to a wider audience.
A 2021 survey in the US found that 68 per cent of the 18-29-year-olds preferred printed books. Additionally, college graduates were more inclined towards print books than those without a diploma, and women read printed books more than men.
By 2029, the global physical book market is expected to serve approximately 1.9 billion readers, while e-reader users are projected to reach 1.2 billion by 2027.
Despite the growing presence of e-books, printed books continue to dominate. A report from an international business magazine found that Bangladeshis read for an average of 10 minutes per day, amounting to 62 hours annually. Bangladesh ranked 97th among 102 countries in reading time, with the top five being the US, India, England, France, and Italy.
Despite the convenience of e-books, the sensory experience of reading a printed book remains unmatched. Writer and journalist Mizanur Rahman Sohel highlighted that printed books help readers focus, put less strain on the eyes, and provide a lasting connection.
Writer Rina Tuli echoed this sentiment, stating that printed books are integral to cultural and social traditions. Similarly, writer Rahitul Islam reaffirmed that printed books hold a special place in the hearts of readers and would continue to do so.
Co-founder of Tourdibo.com, Anik Hossain, plans to purchase books by emerging writers in the book fair to encourage their craft. Poet Sharafat Hussain, who is also the Head of Digital at Daily Ittefaq, noted that excessive screen-time makes people restless, further reinforcing the significance of physical books as a form of relief and escape.
Book enthusiast Zakia Rayhana Rupa has taken the initiative to promote reading culture in Dhaka by launching a micro-library at Dhanmondi Lake Park. Inspired by Germany's 'Little Free Libraries', she set up a wooden bookshelf where readers can borrow, read, and return books.
Similarly, Pathagar Andolon Bangladesh, a non-profit platform founded in Cumilla in 2005, has been working to ensure that reading is not confined to schools. Coordinator Imam Hossain established 'Vidyasagar Unmukto Pathagar' at the age of 14, which encouraged others to create community libraries. The organisation now has around 200 libraries across Bangladesh.
Besides, the concept of book cafés, long popular in the Western countries, is now flourishing in Bangladesh. These spaces offer a tranquil environment for readers and serve as cultural hubs for literature enthusiasts. Following are some of the popular book cafés: Pathak Shamabesh, Bengal Boi, Boi Chottor, PBS, Baatighar, The Reading Café, Bookworm, Nerdy Bean Coffee Haus, Vive.
Dhaka's diverse range of bookstores, reading cafés, and study spaces reflect the unwavering love for physical books. Despite digital advancements, readers continue to embrace the tangible experience of flipping through pages, making printed books an enduring cultural staple in Bangladesh.
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