Whether it is to express one’s feelings to someone for the first time or to rejuvenate relationships, the idea of gifting a romantic novel or a collection of love poems is unparalleled.

Keeping this in mind, publishers at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair are offering a unique opportunity to express love through the timeless medium of literature. Stalls and pavilions are stocked with a delightful collection of romantic books to cater to the readers' tastes and preferences, complementing the celebrations of Pahela Falgun and Valentine’s Day.

From classic romantic love stories to modern romantic poetry, the fair is a treasure trove for book lovers seeking to celebrate their affection. There is no shortage of options to explore—be it a novel that transports readers to a world of passion and longing or a collection of poems that capture the essence of romance, one can find an abundance of choices while strolling through the aisles of the book fair.

Anyadhara has introduced a new novel by popular author Sadat Hossain. “Tumi Sondhya Olokanonda” explores a different kind of romance—one that not only speaks of intimacy but also highlights the importance of waiting. And it is not merely waiting for time to pass but for a lost feeling to resurface.

Speaking about the novel, the author said, “‘Tumi Sondhya Olokanonda is a novel of self-love, search, and realisation. Even the happiest individuals have a secret sorrow, and everyone feels lonely at times and sheds tears. I have tried to capture that feeling through this book. I hope the readers will embrace it.”

“Nirbason”, “Smritigondha”, “Tomar Naame Sondhya Naame”, and “Tomar Jonyo Dariye Chilam Bole” are some of his earlier works of fiction, which remain popular among romantic readers.

Imdadul Haq Milan is arguably the most celebrated romantic novelist in the country. His novels are among the highest-selling books before and during the celebrations of Pahela Falgun and Valentine’s Day. However, this year, the eminent author has not penned a romantic novel. Instead, he has brought “Poradhinota”, based on two tales of expatriate life, and the teen novel “Rohosyomoy Jongolbari”.

Despite this, his older romantic novels, including “O Radha O Krishno”, “Tomake Bhalobashi”, “Lal Golap Tomake”, “Shrabon Jotsnay”, “Priyodorshini”, “Konna Rashir Konna”, “Kemon Bhalobasha Tomar”, and “Shei Bideshini”, continue to be widely read by lovers of romance.

Biddya Prokash has introduced two romantic novels—“Shobdohin Jotsnar Vitor” by Moyeen Ahmed and “Gouri Das” by Khurshid Shammi. Additionally, the publishing house has brought romantic short story compilations such as “Prakton” by Rumana Boishakhi and “Sada Rat” by Anjan Acharya, along with romantic poetry collections like “Opekkhay Ashoni Protikkhay Katabo Jibon” by Shayonto Shakhawat and “Horin Thekanor Din” by Minhajul Haque.

Biddya Prokash proprietor and freedom fighter Mazibar Rahman Khoka said they consider romance an integral part of life, just like any other human emotion.

“We did not decide to publish romantic novels, short stories, or poetry solely for commercial purposes. Our focus was on bringing out quality works. Coincidentally, some romantic poetry and short story collections, along with novels, are part of our offerings this year. We prioritised the quality of these books,” he told the Daily Sun.

Dibya Prakash, another reputed publishing house, is featuring “Kobita Somogro” and “Ogronthito Kothamala” by the recently deceased poet Helal Hafiz, who has long been admired for his works on romance and rebellion. Additionally, “Sherguccho” and a translation of “Gondomphul” by poet Imtiaz Mahmud will soon be available at the Dibya Prakash stall.

Kakoli Prokashoni has published Shanima Akter Sheuly’s romantic novels “Omrito Premer Juri”, “Hridoyer Kulkhani”, and “Chad Shurjer Alo”.

Gyankosh Prokashoni has released Nisho Al Mamun’s romantic novel “Kacher Manush”, Nusrat Sultana Sejuti’s “Boiri Haway Premer Gaan”, Samira Rahman’s “Fera”, and Ashif Entaj Robi’s “Train to Dhaka”.

Anyaprakash has introduced “Nil Makkhir Chokh” by Farid Kabir, “Nilanjana Tokhon” by Shanjana Alam, the short story collection “Protyaborton” by Bishwajit Chowdhury, and the poetry collection “Akashta Kokhono Purono Hoyna” by Tanjida Akter.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, Bishwajit Chowdhury said, “‘Protyaborton consists of 11 stories on hope and despair, frustration and failure, love, dreams, and possibilities. I have written about people from the lower social strata, intertwining their lives with the history, traditions, and culture of our country.”

Panjeree Publications has published young author Swaralipi’s collection of romantic poetry “Premanukabyo” by Palash Mahbub, the short story collection “Somporker Jolchap”, and Kingkor Ahsan’s novel Bibiana.

“Bibiana” tells the stories of two couples from different backgrounds, yet their experiences of happiness and sorrow, joy and pain, are strikingly similar. Their struggles in relationships, love, self-centeredness, greed, and anger progress in parallel.

On the thirteenth day of the book fair, a discussion on “Student-People’s July Uprising: Context and Direction” was held on the main stage at 4pm. Sarwar Tushar presented the keynote paper, while Jubayer Al Mahmud and Nusrat Sabina Chowdhury participated in the discussion, chaired by Mahbub Morshed.

According to Bangla Academy, 85 new books were released at the fair on the day. Today, on the fourteenth day of the fair, the gates will open at 9am. However, due to the observance of the holy Shab-e-Barat, the fair will close at 7:30pm instead of 9pm.