Thousands of people thronged the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair on the second day on Friday as it coincided with the first weekend in February.

Visitors expressed their disappointment as a number of publishing houses were doing their construction works and decorations.

Anindya Prakash, Pearl Publications, Abhijan, Narita Cafe, Renesa Publication and many others were seen busy completing their stalls and pavilions and with the last-minute decorations on the second day of the country’s biggest annual book fair.

Pearl Publications marketing manager Mohammad Jahangir said that they could not complete the works due to the time constraint and rain.

‘We can complete the works by tonight,’ said Jahangir.

Entrepreneur Abdur Rahman came with his family in the fair but expressed his disappointment as many publishing houses were doing construction works and construction materials were not removed from the fairground.

Ekushey Book Fair organising committee member secretary KM Muzahidul Islam said that most of the works were already completed and the fairground would be cleaned soon.

Children along with their guardians were seen coming to the fair from the morning as there was Shishu Prahar or dedicated hours, especially for children from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Bangla Academy director general Mohammad Nurul Huda inaugurated the stage of Sisimpur at the children’s corner in the morning while Sesame Workshop Bangladesh managing director Mohammad Shah Alam and book fair organising committee member secretary KM Muzahidul Islam were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Ghas Foring owner Ratna Das said that many children were seen thronging the fair from the morning and exploring books.

According to Bangla Academy, 31 books were published on the second day of the fair.

A discussion session titled ‘Tribute: Great Poet Alaol’ was held on the main stage.

Saymon Zakaria read an essay on poet Alaol’s life and works.

The fair will open at 11:00am on Saturday.