As the 21st of February approaches, the city prepares for a momentous day—marking the Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. The Central Shaheed Minar will open to the public after a solemn tribute by important dignitaries, honoring the memories of those who laid down their lives in 1952 for the recognition of the Bengali language. Following the ceremony, the historic site will be accessible for public homage, and the crowd is expected to swell as people head towards the Ekushey Book Fair, just around the corner.

The significance of this day extends beyond the memorial at the Shaheed Minar, as the Ekushey Book Fair, set to officially begin, has become a cherished cultural hub for book enthusiasts. February 21st traditionally witnesses the highest footfall at the fair, with publishers and sales teams eagerly anticipating the surge of book lovers, as it is known to be the day with the highest book sales throughout the month-long event.

The book fair, which has become a cultural fixture, opens to the public on the morning of February 21st. It’s on this date that the largest crowds typically visit, setting the tone for what will be a month-long celebration of literature, language, and learning. The event, which also commemorates the tragic yet pivotal event of 1952, carries the weight of history while offering a space for contemporary thought and literary engagement.

A striking feature of this year’s opening is its alignment with Friday, expected to draw an even larger number of attendees. The fair’s special morning session for children will begin at 11 AM and run until 1 PM, catering to young readers and families.

Publishers and sellers are particularly enthusiastic this year. According to a sales representative from Oitihyo Publications, “I’ve worked at the fair for several years, and the experience on the 21st is always special. The crowd, the excitement, and the increased sales make it one of the busiest and most rewarding days of the fair.”

Another sales worker from Anvesha Publications shared similar sentiments, noting, “While it can be exhausting to start working so early, the joy of seeing so many people from all walks of life—filled with energy and excitement—is a reward in itself. Sales should be strong, and we’re prepared for it.”

In addition to the bustling atmosphere of the fair, Wednesday’s event saw the release of 70 new books. A prominent event during the day was an insightful discussion on children’s literature, with a focus on "Rokonuzzaman Khan Dada Bhai," the pioneering figure in the field. Zuhfikar Shahadat presented the paper, with participation from Shahabuddin Nagri and the chairmanship of Syed Mohammad Shahed.

The "Writer’s Voice" segment also drew attention, where authors Mahmoudullah, Kajol Rashid Shaheen, and Tuhin Khan discussed their latest works. Cultural performances were also an integral part of the day’s festivities, with poets Majid Mahmud, Kamrul Zaman, and Shafiqul Islam reciting poetry. In addition, cultural troupes 'Noboros' under the direction of Syeda Shamchi Ara Sayek and 'Abdul Alim Foundation' directed by Zahid Alim delivered captivating performances.

Looking ahead, the fair will resume on Thursday at 3 PM and continue until 9 PM. A special program at 4 PM will be dedicated to the centenary of Rashid Karim, with Hamim Kamrul Haque presenting a paper on his life and works. The discussion will include contributions from Aniruddha Kahali and Sakhawat Tipu, with Subrata Boroa serving as the chairman of the session.