POBNEWS24, Dhaka, Feb 15,2022: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2022. He announced the inauguration of the book fair organized by Bangla Academy on Tuesday (February 15) at 4:30 pm by virtually joining Ganobhaban.
At that time, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, this time we have to start the book fair a little late. Our preparation was to start on the appointed day.
But suddenly Corona grew. Besides, another new variant called Omicron was coming and it was growing so we had to start a little late. This decision was made thinking about everyone’s health and safety.
Sheikh Hasina said, if you don’t read the book, it seems as if nothing happened. I don’t know what. This fair is the fair of our lives, if for some reason this fair cannot be held, we all feel bad. It’s much more fun to turn a page with a book in hand than to read a book on a digital device.
He said that a nation can always improve if its language and culture improve. Our cultists have contributed to each of our movements. Poets, writers, writers, cultural activists have all contributed to our movement and our achievements.
State Minister for Culture KM Khalid was the special guest at the inaugural ceremony. Abul Mansur, Director General of the Academy Muhammad Nurul Huda, President of the Booksellers and Publishers Association Arifur Rahman Chhotan gave welcome speeches. Academy President Selina Hossain presided over the function.
142 units have been given to 102 institutions in the premises of Bangla Academy and 634 units have been given to 432 institutions in the Suhrawardy Udyan section. A total of 6 units have been allotted to 534 institutions. The fair will have 35 pavilions.
The 36th book fair of the country will continue till 26th February. The main theme of this year’s book fair is ‘Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Golden Jubilee of Independence’.
Although it is customary to start the book fair from the first of February every year, this time the book fair is starting in the middle of the month due to coronavirus. The book fair will be open daily from 2pm to 9pm except holidays. No one will be able to enter the fair again after 8 pm. The book fair will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on holidays. Apart from this, the great Ekushey February fair will start from 8 am and will continue till 9 pm.
