Bangladesh's largest annual book fair is held in the capital, Dhaka, during the entire month of February. The Chinese Book House at the fair is gaining popularity as more locals want to know more about China.
The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, which means “21st Eternal Book Fair” in the local language, is welcomed by locals, where hundreds of visitors wait in long queues to enter the book fair.
“I want to know different things about China,” a girl named Jaya Afran told Xinhua News Agency, adding that she had never read Chinese books, so she came to the Dar al-Kutub to buy books about China.
Afran said she watches Chinese cartoons often and really loves Chinese culture. “I'm interested in Chinese cartoons, so I'm here to learn more about China.”
Razaul Haque is another person who came to Dar Al-Kitab. “We were exposed to China since childhood, especially when we were in school. We were regular readers of the Bengali version of a Chinese magazine,” Haque said.
Haq expressed his hope that there would be a regular exhibition where people could collect Chinese books. “It will be good for those of us who want to know about China, who want to cherish and love China.”
Tauseef Zaman, who learned Chinese at the Confucius Institute of Dhaka University, Bangladesh's most prestigious university, read a book about the Yellow River, which left a deep impression on him.
“The more people read this kind of book, the better people will understand Chinese, Chinese literature and their books,” the student said.
“It is very important for the two countries to have cultural exchanges so that we can exchange our friendship and views,” Zaman added.
In front of the Chinese Book House, various activities on the occasion of the Chinese Lantern Festival, which fell on Saturday, attracted a large number of people. Hundreds of Bangladeshis gathered here to experience the colorful cultural activities in high spirit.
Noting that the book fair grew out of Bangladeshis' appreciation for their mother tongue and culture, Yao Wen, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, said the hot spectacle of the Chinese Book House is an example of how much Bangladeshis love Chinese culture. the people.
“I hope more people can understand and experience Chinese culture here,” Yao said.
