Publishers, participating in the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026, are not only competing in book sales but also in exploring creativity. Through artistic design, architectural flair, and thematic presentation, they are striving to captivate readers.
"Our highest-selling books are by a publicity-shy novelist, writing under the pseudonym "Dhrupady". Every year, we highlight his creative brilliance at our stall," said Riazuddin, publisher of Bhorer Shishir Prokashoni.
Located on the Bangla Academy premises, the stall is designed with bamboo and wood, reflecting an aesthetic architectural style. Large posters of the novelist's popular works adorn the interior, accompanied by readers' reviews displayed in banner form, an arrangement that easily draws attention.
With numerous books on display, attracting readers has become increasingly challenging. Many publishers believe that artistic presentation is one of the most effective ways to stand out. Creative designs, thoughtful architecture, and thematic elements reflecting a publication's uniqueness, literary characters, the heritage of the book fair, and the richness of Bangla language are being incorporated to create a lasting impression.
In the middle of Suhrawardy Udyan, Ayon Prokashoni's stall features an intricately crafted ornamental gate. Mythological and historical figures, along with artistic motifs, are carved into the structure inside, outside, and on the roof.
Stall representative Tahmina Momtaz said the carved illustrations are inspired by characters and themes from the publisher's own books, reflecting its personal creativity and love for art.
Chaitanya Prokashoni has opted for a more traditional look, using bamboo and jute in its design. Sales representative Saurav Chowdhury explained that the concept draws inspiration from the early days of the book fair, when books were sold under trees on simple jute mats. "We've tried to recreate that nostalgic atmosphere," he said.
Matra Prokashoni has also embraced bamboo craftsmanship, incorporating slender bamboo sticks to create a visually appealing structure, inspired by traditional Bangladeshi architecture. According to stall representative Khalikul Jannat, the design pays homage to the country's rich architectural heritage.
At Pratikatha Prokashoni, the stall walls are covered with handwritten book titles. Tawsifur Hasan, a college student and stall representative, said he personally wrote the titles by hand to ensure they would catch the eye of visitors from afar.
One of the most striking structures on the Bangla Academy ground is a terracotta-colored installation representing the Department of Archaeology under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The design replicates the architecture of the historic Atia Mosque in Tangail. The stall also features graffiti and handicrafts depicting various archaeological artifacts. The department's librarian said the aim is to spark the readers' interest in archaeology and introduce them to the country's rich historical heritage.
Under a mango tree on the Bangla Academy field stands a stall of Udichi. Recently targeted by a reactionary group, the cultural organisation has portrayed its damaged state in the stall, displaying burnt artworks and literary materials as a symbolic statement.
Throughout the fair, a number of stalls are showcasing artistic installations and thematic presentations. Political, social, and cultural organisations have also set up their own stalls, each decorated in distinctive styles.
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