A four-day 'Bangabandhu and Swadhinata Book Fair' began at Rajshahi College playground on Thursday afternoon aimed at encouraging people, especially children to develop reading books from an early age.
District administration arranged the fair in cooperation with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs on the occasion of Mujib Year and the golden jubilee of the country's independence.
Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Dr Abdul Mannan addressed the opening ceremony as chief guest with Deputy Commissioner Abdul Jalil in the chair.
Rajshahi College Principal Prof Abdul Khaleque, Rajshahi Government City College Principal Prof Amina Abedeen, Zila Parishad Chief Executive Officer Reza Hassan and Additional Deputy Commissioner Joya Maria Perera also spoke.
Many publishers have set up 25 stalls in the fair displaying various types of books. In his remarks, Sheikh Hafizur Rahman said books enlighten people -- easy and creative books are essential for the mental development of children.
Dr Abdul Mannan said books help people to acquire knowledge about the outside world stressing the need for reaching books at the doorsteps of the readers to encourage them to read.
He hoped the fair will contribute a lot to attain the desired goal and sought all-out cooperation from all quarters to make the fair a total success.
The fair will remain open for all from 10am to 8pm everyday till Sunday. Besides, cultural programmes will be held every evening on separate themes during the fair.
