As the Ekushey Boi Mela drew to a close, an air of bittersweet nostalgia enveloped Suhrawardy Udyan and Bangla Academy. Thousands of book lovers, young and old, meandered through the colourful stalls, their hearts heavy with the impending farewell to the largest book fair.

Kureghor Prokashoni Ltd’s Ekushey Book Fair stall merges literature and rickshaw painting, showcasing Bangladesh’s artistic heritage. Led by Shamim Rahman Abir, it highlights cultural preservation through Monir Hossain’s vibrant hand-painted designs.

A series of unsettling incidents over recent years has cast a long shadow over the fair’s foundational principles.

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.