The 2023 edition of Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the largest and most prestigious book fair in the country, is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday amid worrying signs for the publishers about a possible dampened turnover from book sales this year as they were forced to jack up book prices due to higher prices of papers.
Anita Nath, who took a loan of Rs 6,000, re-started her roadside stall of paratha and sabzi two months back and has paid back Rs 1,000 so far.
“Business is not what it used to be before March. But at least I am able to make some money. On good days the sale goes up to Rs 100,” said Nath, who has been running the stall for nine years.
Nath dreads to think about the lockdown days when she had “no money”. She would get up at 5am to sell tea outside her house, but would hardly get any customer. “I am better off now because of the loan. I need to repay,” she said.