Different publication houses brought out a total of 86 books of various genres yesterday, according to the Bangla Academy public relations office. Of them, 24 are novels while 15 contained poems, five short stories and eight contained essays.

Visitors expressed satisfaction over the environment of the fair with less dust and no long queues.

The gathering of book-enthusiasts was particularly noticeable at the stalls of Anya Prakash, Ananya, Moula Brothers and Seba Prakashani.

Several publishers expressed their satisfaction over the sales of books, while many others were not happy over the issue. The readers complained against the high price of books this year.

A number of prominent writers were also present at the fair yesterday.

Prof Muhammad Zafar Iqbal visited the fair in the afternoon and spent time at Samoy Prakashani giving autographs to fans. He also unveiled the cover of a book, 'Computer-e Bangla Operating System' by the publishing house.

Eminent writer Selina Hossain also unveiled covers of two books, 'Nari Jiboner Golpo,' a collection of 84 women writers, and 'Se Ak Banhishikha' by Rowshan Ara Akhter.

In the morning, Reza Kibria came to the fair on the occasion of publication of an essay collection 'Prabondho Sangraho', by his slain father Shah AMS Kibria. The book was brought out by Agamee Prakashani.

Writer Imdadul Haq Milon spent time at Ananya Prakashani. Wrier Pranab Bhattya also came to fair yesterday.

A seminar and a cultural programme were held at the Bangla Academy in the evening.