DHAKA, Feb 28, 2023 (BSS) - The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair, which brought together a diverse mix of the country's well-known writers, as well as up-and-coming authors, thinkers, and entertainers on one stage, came to an end today.

Although Amar Ekushey book fair saw fewer number of visitors last year due to COVID-19 pandemic but the month-long extravaganza drew huge crowds almost every day this year. 

As a result, the fair got record in new books publications, sale of huge number of books and enthusiasm among the book-lovers.

Both authors and publishers were happy because this year's book fair witnessed a record sale with very encouraging and positive response.

The concluding function of the book fair was held on fair premises around 5pm.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid, MP, attended it as the chief guest while Director General of Bangla Academy poet Mohammad Nurul Huda gave welcome speech on the occasion. 

Bangla Academy President Selina Hossain presided over the function. 

A total of 901 stalls have been allocated to 601 organizations. The authorities have allotted 165 stalls to 112 organizations for the Bangla Academy ground and 736 stalls to 489 organizations for the Suhrawardy Udyan.
 
Moreover, a total of 38 pavilions have been allocated this year.
 
Last year, a total of 774 stalls were allocated in favour of 534 organizations. Apart from this, there will be 153 stalls at Little Magazine Chattar, which were 127 in 2022, 140 in 2021 and 155 in 2020.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the month-long 'Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2023' on the premises of the Bangla Academy and the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital On February 1 last. 

The theme of this year's book fair was "Paro Boi, Garo Desh: Bangabandhur Bangladesh (Read Book, Build Country: Bangabandhu's Bangladesh). The Bangla Academy organized the fair.
 
At the function, the Prime Minister unwrapped seven books published by the Bangla Academy that include a compilation of the books written by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman titled "Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Rochonabali-1" edited by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President Abdul Hamid-written book "Amar Jibonneeti, Amar Rajneeti", "Karagarer Rojnamcha Path Bishleshon," "Ausomapto Atmojiboni Path Bishleshon," and "Amar Dekha Noya Chin Path Bishleshon," edited by poet Mohammad Nurul Huda and a research based book on Zila Sahitya Mela-2022 (first part).

Besides, the premier distributed prizes among 15 recipients of the Bangla Academy Literary Award-2022.