Dhaka: Thousands of booklovers and enthusiasts flocked to the Ekushey Book Fair as the fiesta of the country’s literary festival began on the historic Bangla Academy premises in the capital city on Friday.

Publishers and bookworms both expressed their happiness over their first day’s experience in the fair, formally opened by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the second half of the day.

Crowds took to the streets and thronged book stalls of the fair soon after the Prime Minister left the venue, after visiting several stalls and exchanging pleasantries with the book sellers, publishers, writers and also buyers.

This year's book fair has been dedicated to noted writer Human Ahmed, who died last year in the USA. The book selling has crossed the expectation of the publishers, reported several publishers at their book stalls in the fair’s inaugural day.

The publishers also thanked authorities for a better preparation of the fair and appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's announcement to shift the fair to Suhrawardi Udyan from the next year. They said the announcement is expected to ensure a better environment, where parents would be able to bring their kids and buy books without hassles.

According to available statistics, more than 50 new books hit different stalls in the fair on the opening day. The books are mainly written by Humayun Ahmed, Professor Anisuzzaman, Shamsul Alam Sayeed, Hasnat Abdul Hye, Syed Abul Maksud and Taslima Nasrin.

A discussion will be held on the Mela premises on Saturday.

Ends/AMA/02/02/13