The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela unfolds like a familiar story -- one that returns every February, carrying with it the weight of history, the pulse of the present, and the dreams of a generation yet to come. It is a homecoming for readers, writers, and dreamers alike, a place where stories old and new find their way into eager hands. This year, the fair carries an even deeper resonance. This year, its theme, "July Mass Uprising: Building a New Bangladesh", resonates deeply with visitors, reflecting the impact of last year's historic student-led movement. The Uprising, which shook the country and sparked nationwide discussions, has found its way into the book fair, not just through banners and installations but also in the books being published, the conversations taking place, and the very essence of the event. The book fair has always been a place where literature meets memory, where pages hold the stories of our struggles and hopes. But this time, it feels like more than just a fair—it feels like a reflection of a nation still making sense of its past and imagining its future.

Books on the July Uprising have drawn immense public attention, with historians, analysts, and writers offering fresh perspectives on an event that reshaped the country's political and social landscape. Mizan Publishers has announced the release of 19 documentary-style books covering different aspects of the Uprising, while Prochalan Prakashon has already introduced "Gonohotta o Baak Shadhinota - 2024," a compilation of photographs and firsthand accounts from all 64 districts. Meanwhile, publishers like Prathama and Agamee Prakashani have also released analytical works that explore the deeper implications of last year's movement.

Yet, the fair is not only about the books on display, it is about what people seek within its stalls; the nostalgia, the conversations, the quiet joy of finding a book that feels like it was waiting just for them. The vibrant evenings at the "Ami Lekhok Bolchi" stage for instance, where authors engage in open dialogue with their readers, have drawn large audiences. Visitors roam from stall to stall, some in search of new stories, others content to soak in the atmosphere, clicking photos, meeting authors, and reliving childhood memories.

The stall designs and themes have added a unique visual and conceptual dimension to the fair. Many publishers have opted for thematic stalls that go beyond traditional layouts, offering visitors an immersive experience. Several stalls have been designed with a July Uprising theme, displaying banners, artwork, and books reflecting the movement's impact. Other publishers have taken a more artistic or aesthetic approach, with some using rural motifs, traditional Bengali artistry, and literary inspirations in their stall designs. The effort to make book stalls visually appealing and thematically meaningful has added to the overall experience of the fair, making it not just a place for purchasing books but also for cultural and artistic appreciation.

Beyond the themes and aesthetics, the focus remains on books and reading preferences. While classics and contemporary fiction continue to draw attention, a significant trend this year has been the demand for translated books. Baatighar and Batighor Prokashana have become hotspots for visitors looking for translated works of international authors, catering to readers eager to explore global literature in Bengali. This reflects a growing interest in world literature, with many seeking translations of bestsellers, philosophical works, and modern classics. Among the most popular genres this year are thrillers, spy novels, and mystery books, with publishers like Shomoy Prokashon and Aloghar Prakashana selling a significant number of books in these categories. Anyaprokash and Abasar remain the go-to destinations for readers of Humayun Ahmed, while Anyaprokash has also become a central hub for Sadat Hossain's works, with book signings drawing long queues of fans.

Meanwhile, publishers like Mizan Publishers, Kingbadanty, and Tamralipi have drawn significant crowds due to their focus on celebrity books. Their stalls feature books by well-known public figures, attracting visitors eager to explore titles linked to popular personalities. As a result, these stalls have become some of the busiest at the fair, with people gathering not just to buy books but also to catch a glimpse of works by their favorite celebrities.One of the most notable aspects of this year's fair is the strong presence of political and historical books, which are not only widely available but also attracting significant interest from younger readers. Among them, a dedicated stall featuring Bangladesh Nationalist Party(BNP)-related books, run by Eti Prokashon, has drawn attention. The stall showcases books mostly on BNP and its political history. The presence of various political publications further highlights the fair's role as a platform for diverse ideological narratives, reinforcing its significance as more than just a marketplace for books, it is a space for dialogue, knowledge, and intellectual exploration.

However, despite the high number of visitors, sales have not met expectations for most publishers. Many staff members of publishing houses and bookstores have reported that while footfall has increased, actual purchases have not. Many staff, while asked about the sales and overall atmosphere of the mela, stated that people are more engaged in browsing, taking pictures, and attending events rather than buying books in large numbers. However, publishers are hopeful that sales will pick up in the final two weeks of the fair as readers make their final selections.

A major part of the fair is Shishuprohor, a dedicated time slot for children every Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM. The goal is to encourage young readers by creating a space where they can explore books freely. However, many parents and educators feel that the Boi Mela still lacks a truly child-friendly environment. There are not enough interactive spaces, storytelling corners, or engaging activities designed for young visitors. If the fair aims to nurture a new generation of readers, it must ensure that children feel welcomed and inspired by their surroundings.

This year's fair spans 708 publishers, 99 stalls inside Bangla Academy, 609 stalls across Suhrawardy Udyan, and 37 pavilions. The Little Magazine Corner, home to around 130 stalls, remains a haven for alternative and independent publications. However, as the fair grows each year, so do the challenges of managing its scale. The Suhrawardy Udyan location, within the university area, is historically significant, but accessibility issues, crowd management, and infrastructure development must be considered to ensure the sustainability of the event. While there has been a push for eco-friendly initiatives, such as encouraging the use of jute bags instead of plastic, actual implementation has been inconsistent, with many vendors still using plastic despite formal guidelines. The fair's future sustainability will depend on stronger enforcement of these initiatives and greater awareness among both vendors and visitors.

This year's fair has also faced controversies and security concerns. On February 10, 2025, protesters swarmed the Sabyasachi Prokashoni stall at Ekushey Boi Mela, following days of threats. The stall had been targeted due to its circulation of exiled author Taslima Nasrin's book, Chumbon. Calls for protests and vandalism surfaced on Facebook on February 9, accusing the publication of promoting banned or controversial writers. By the next evening, tensions escalated as a crowd gathered, leading to damage to the stall and disruption in the area.

The incident has once again sparked concerns over freedom of speech and safety at the fair. Repeated acts of censorship, intimidation, and violent protests raise serious questions about whether literature in Bangladesh can thrive without fear of backlash.

The Ekushey Boi Mela, a symbol of intellectual and creative expression, has historically been a space for diverse voices, yet incidents like these continue to challenge that ideal. As debates around censorship and ideological conflicts intensify, there is mounting pressure on organizers, law enforcement, and cultural institutions to ensure that all writers and publishers, regardless of their views, can participate without threats or violence. A book fair that is meant to honor linguistic and literary freedom must uphold the values it represents, ensuring that voices are not silenced through fear and force. Additionally, discussions surrounding the availability of sanitary napkins within the fair have sparked criticism toward Bangla Academy and other stakeholders, raising questions about basic inclusivity and accessibility for visitors. These incidents have placed additional pressure on the fair organizers to ensure safety and uphold the integrity of the event.

The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela is more than just a marketplace for books. It is a place where readers, writers, and ideas come together. Every year, people wait months for this event, expecting it to be a space where literature is celebrated without barriers. However, with increasing logistical challenges, security concerns, and the need for better inclusivity, the responsibility lies with the authorities to ensure that the fair continues to meet public expectations. As the fair moves forward, it must balance tradition with progress, nostalgia with new voices, and history with the future.

For now, as book lovers walk through the stalls, flipping through pages of history, fiction, and revolution, the Boi Mela remains a place where literature is not just read, but felt, remembered, and lived. Despite some concerns, the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela remains a space where people come not just to buy books, but to lose themselves in stories, reconnect with old favorites, and discover voices they've never heard before. It is not merely an event, it is a feeling, a ritual, a bridge between generations. Some come for the books, some come for the memories, but in the end, everyone leaves carrying a piece of the fair with them, in their hands or in their hearts.

Mahmuda Emdad is a women and gender studies major with an endless interest in feminist writings, historical fiction, and pretty much everything else, all while questioning the world in the process. Feel free to reach out at [email protected]