Online Desk: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today opened the month-long ‘Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2023’ on the premises of the Bangla Academy and the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. The theme of this year’s book fair is “Paro Boi, Garo Desh: Bangabandhur Bangladesh (Read Book, Build Country: Bangabandhu’s Bangladesh). The Bangla Academy is organizing the fair, Reports BSS.

At the function, the Prime Minister unwrapped seven books published by the Bangla Academy that 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).

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’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. 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 break for lunch and prayers. 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. Last year, a total of 774 stalls were allocated in favour of 534 organizations. Apart from this, there will be 153 stalls at Little Magazine Chattar, which were 127 in 2022, 140 in 2021 and 155 in 2020. Strict security arrangements have been arranged in and around the book fair venue to avert any unpleasant incident.