Fair crowd getting bigger

The number of visitors at Suhrawardy Udyan seemed to have multiplied yesterday, with the queue becoming longer than ever.

The fact that it was the day before February 21 added to the spirit of the swarming crowd.

"I have come to the fair because I felt that my unborn son should experience this great event as early as possible," said Mahjabin Archi, a pregnant woman, on entering Amar Ekushey Granthamela 2016.

"The hassle of getting in was worth it," she added, with a triumphant smile.

Cartoonist Sharier Khan's daily cartoon strip compilations were a huge attraction among children and young people.

On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, the fair will remain open today from 8:00am to 8:00pm. A poetry recital event to be attended by noted poets will start at 7:30am.

The crowd of readers of Humayun Ahmed in front of Anyaprokash was bigger than at any other place in the fair.

"His books are addictive. I want to own all of them for my personal library," said corporate employee Raihan-bin-Shafiq.

Addressing a discussion on Bangla Academy premises, noted cultural personality Kamal Lohani said, "A cultural awakening of people can dispel all evil forces from society. Great events like this fair can pave the way for people to realise the potentials of the country's culture."