by Staff Correspondent,

Dhaka – The month-long book fair, commemorating the 1952 language movement martyrs, began on Wednesday on the Bangla Academy premises and adjacent Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina opened the ‘Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2023’ with a theme “Paro Boi, Garo Desh: Bangabandhur Bangladesh (Read Book, Build Country: Bangabandhu’s Bangladesh).

The Bangla Academy is organizing the fair, where the prime minister unwrapped seven books published by the Bangla Academy.

The books include a compilation of the books written by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman titled “Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Rochonabali-1” edited by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, President Abdul Hamid – written book “Amar Jibonneeti, Amar Rajneeti”, “Karagarer Rojnamcha Path Bishleshon,” “Ausomapto Atmojiboni Path Bishleshon,” and “Amar Dekha Noya Chin Path Bishleshon,” edited by poet Mohammad Nurul Huda and a research based book on Zila Sahitya Mela-2022 (first part).

Bangabandhu’s youngest daughter and PM’s younger sister Sheikh Rehana was present on the occasion.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid, MP, spoke on the occasion as the special guest. Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Abul Monsur addressed the function.

Bangla Academy President Selina Hossain presided over the inaugural function while Director General Mohammad Nurul Huda delivered the address of welcome. President of Academic and Creative Publishers Association of Bangladesh Arif Hossain Chhoton also spoke on the occasion.

Besides, the premier distributed prizes among 15 recipients of the Bangla Academy Literary Award-2022, according to the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha news agency.

The book fair will remain open for all from 3 pm to 9 pm on working days, and from 11:00 am to 9 pm on public holidays with a one-hour lunch break.

A total of 901 stalls have been allocated to 601 organizations. The authorities have allotted 165 stalls to 112 organizations for the Bangla Academy ground and 736 stalls to 489 organizations for the Suhrawardy Udyan.

Moreover, a total of 38 pavilions have been allocated this year.

Security has been beefed up around the venue to avert any unpleasant incident.

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