Crowds intensified on the 8th day of the Ekushey Boi Mela 2023 being held at Bangla Academy premises where more booklovers are expected to take interest in reading books amid the digital era.
A total of 114 new books hit the stalls of Amar Ekushey Book Fair on the day of the fair.
"Bangabandhu and Rasel's story " written by Mojammel Haque Niyogi in the category of Liberation war, published from Agami Publications, Dr. Md Hannan's " Bangalir Muktir Songram er Itishash" published from Agami publications, Translated thriller "A kiss before dying" by Ayra Levin’ published from Anindya Prokash were some of the main attractions which hit the stalls. There were 13 novels, 44 poetry and 6 history books which got published among 114 new arrivals.
In the “Lekhak Bolsi” program, Habib Anisur Rahman , Gazi Azizur Rahman, Rasel Raihan, Ismat Shilpi discussed on their new books.
In the cultural program poet Makid Haider, Zahid Haider, Smriti Akter recited poems. In the singing event, Saidur Rahman Boyati, Alom Deoan, Momota Dasi Baul, Farzana Hossain Eva and many more singers performed music.
On Thursday the fair will be opened from 3 pm and will continue till 9pm. A discussion program will be held from 4 pm at main stage of the fair, titled "Kabir Chowdhury : Jonmoshoto Barshiki Sroddhanjoli". Abdus Selim and Zahid Reza will present the main article of the discussion.
Meanwhile, Fire Service and Civil Defense department launched 3D fire simulation games at the fair premises. Bangladesh Fire Service will teach different techniques of fire fighting by playing virtual reality (VR) technology to people of all classes, including children, teenagers and the elderly, who come to the fair throughout February.
Apart from training, the organization has more than a dozen books available at its book stalls like Fire Prevention, Basic First Aid for Medical Emergencies, Earthquake Awareness, Lightning Safety, Fire Safety Guide. The fire service training room is located next to the fire brigade control room.
On Wednesday (February 8) afternoon a crowd of people were seen in front of the control room of the fire service. Some were buying books on firefighting. Many others were learning fire survival techniques. After playing VR games there, a private organization's employee named Rashed told this reporter, "I had no idea about fire extinguishers. I just saw it in the office. But after playing this game, my knowledge about this has been enhnced. Through this game, I got some idea how to use a fire extinguisher.
Children who come to the fair are also happily playing VR games. Learning self-defense techniques through play.
During the fair, every day from 3 pm to 9 pm, visitors can visit to the fire station and play VR games. It is to be noted that on February 24, 2013, many stalls were damaged in a fire incident at the Ekushey Book Fair late at night. Since then, this organization is taking extra precautions to avoid fire.