Taslima’s books must be shunned—raising questions about freedom of expression and the very role of the Boi Mela

In a statement, the chief adviser denounced the violence, emphasising that it goes against the open-minded spirit of the book fair, which honours the language martyrs of February 21, 1952, according to the CA's press wing

The stall was forced to shut down in front of the crowd. No news of harm or injury has been reported yet

With only a few days left before the month-long Amar Ekushey Boi Mela (Amar Ekushey Book Fair) kicks off, many stars are preparing to release their new books. As is tradition, the fair will see a range of exciting new titles from some of Bangladesh’s most beloved celebrities.

A bittersweet farewell unfolded at Suhrawardy Udyan and Bangla Academy yesterday as the curtains fell on the 2024 Amar Ekushey Boi Mela. Hundreds of bookworms thronged the fairgrounds, a sight that has become synonymous with the month of February in Dhaka.

The plot sheds light on a privileged modern experience where time stands still, stopping the clock as the days and nights roll and go.

Uncertainty looms over holding the next edition of Amar Ekushey Boi Mela at Suhrawardy Udyan, as the government has decided to take over the ground for construction of a “cultural zone” called Sonar Bangla Sangskritik Boloy.

Most publishing companies in Bangladesh are not big enough for them to have a fully functioning marketing team or a viable marketing strategy.

According to the publishers, the classic horror books are among their best selling novels this year.

For most of the publishers, pavilion planning commenced as early as mid January and the organisers left no stone unturned in terms of planning the layout.

Wandering through the bustling lanes of Boi Mela, amidst the cacophony of voices and the rustle of pages turning, I found myself lost in a curious examination of the Bangla love story.

If you walked towards Suhrawardy Udyan yesterday, you could feel the excitement in the air. The ambience would easily catch your attention and show that it’s a special occasion -- Ekushey February.

Boi Mela is more than a clickable link we see on our phone screens; it is more than the controversies and public debates.

The Ekushey Boi Mela has been a memorable cultural odyssey and this year has been no different. For you, Star Lifestyle brings forth the top 5 highlights from the Ekushey Boi Mela 2024!

Both the Dhaka Lit Fest and Ekushey Boi Mela offer sobering insights into the underlying socioeconomic challenges that have hamstrung Bangla publishing.

50 years pass but Tanes still carries Zohra's photograph and letter in his chest pocket. 

How are publications, writers and readers coping with rising costs?

Historical fiction, romance, essays, and travelogues.

Char Goyenda Mohabipode, the 52nd book by author and journalist, Shah Alam Shazu, is being published in this year’s Ekushey Boi Mela by Anannya. The book consists of five stories whose themes mainly centre around detectives, horror, mystery and adventure. 

As February approaches, writers are gearing up for this year’s Ekushey Boi Mela, in hopes of publishing their books and interacting with fans. Like every year, several celebrities are also busy with publishing and promoting their new books.