The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela kicked off yesterday afternoon amid much fanfare.

Though slated to run for 14 days, there were murmurs in the air about a month-long fair, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned the possibility of extending it.

The PM virtually inaugurated the book fair at 4:30pm. During her speech, she said, "As we started the fair behind schedule this time, I think we can continue it for a full month. Besides, there is also a demand from publishers to extend its duration."

Noting that she shouldn't take the decision alone, she directed authorities concerned to consider this.

She also stressed the need for spreading the country's vibrant cultural activities like fairs and festivals to every district, to attract the young generation to Bangla language, literature, and culture.

At the opening ceremony, the PM distributed the Bangla Academy Sahitya Puroshkar-2021.

The recipients are Asad Mannan, Bimal Guha (poetry); Jharna Rahman, Bishwajit Chowdhury (literature); Aminur Rahman, Rafik-um-Munir Chowhdhury (translation); Sadhana Ahmed (drama); Rafikur Rashid (children's literature); Panna Kaiser (Liberation War-related research); Harun-ur-Rashid (Bangabandhu-related research); Shubhagata Chowdhury (science fiction/environmental science); Sufia Khatun, Haider Akbar Khan Rano (autobiography/travelogue); Aminur Rahman Sultan (folklore) and Hosenuddin Hossain (essay/research).

Each awardee received a cheque for Tk 3 lakh, a crest, and a certificate, reports BSS.

Meanwhile, Khan Mahbub, executive director of Academic and Creative Publishers Association, told The Daily Star, "We, the publishers, are happy that the prime minister has expressed interest in running the fair for a month. Hopefully, this year will finally be a good one for us."

Director general of Bangla Academy Muhammad Nurul Huda said, "The prime minister has expressed her interest. We will now discuss it among ourselves. If the conditions are favourable, we will try to make it possible."

Around evening, publishers said many visitors chose not to buy books on the first day, preferring to roam around the fair grounds rather than shopping, although many were seen compiling lists for future purchase.

However, this is not to say the sales were bad, said Jakir Hossen, manager of Prothoma.

Bangla Academy Sahitya Award-winning novelist Imtiar Shamim said, "This is how it is on the first day. People come and look at the titles. It's a good sign for writers and publishers."

Meanwhile, more than 50 publishers were yet to set up their pavilions and stalls as of yesterday evening. They said they didn't get enough time to prepare as the fair was announced late.

Though official figures could not be obtained from Bangla Academy, the day saw publication of numerous new titles. Among them are Matiur Rahman's "Bidrohi Barnamala" (Prothoma) and Anisul Haque's "Rakte Anka Bhor" (Prothoma).