Two days after the delayed Ekushey book fair opened some publishers were still seen decorating their stalls amid slow but cautious arrival of book lovers on Wednesday.
One-third of total stalls were still found to be vacant as the fair was launched on February 14 (Monday) under the shadow of Covid-19 pandemic.
The traditional opening of the fair was scheduled for February 1 for a month. But it was delayed due to the spread of the virus since last month.
Rahad Uddin, a visitor, said, “I came here to observe the situation. The fair is yet to get momentum. I think it will take 3 to 5 more days for the fair to be on full gear.”
“I was looking for a book but I didn’t find it. Sellers told me to come after 2 days”, he added.
Asked about the reason of the delay in decorating stall, manager of a publishing house blamed it on uncertainty.
Speaking on condition of anonymity he said many of the publishers were in doubt if the fair will take place at all.
“I hope, we will be able to sell books from tomorrow in full swing and we are also hopeful about making up our losses incurred last year”, he added.
Source: United News of Bangladesh