The duration of the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been extended till March 17, said State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid.
He made the announcement at a press briefing in his office at the Secretariat on Sunday.
The State Minister said, “There were doubts about arranging the book fair this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At one point it was decided that the book fair would be postponed. Later, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave personal instructions to start the book fair from February 15.”
After the inauguration, the publishers and writers appealed to the Prime Minister to extend the time, he added.
“During that time, we said that we would consider increasing the duration of the fair if the infection rate continues to decrease. In her inaugural address, the Prime Minister said that the fair could be extended till March 17 but that would depend on the situation. The good news is that the Prime Minister has given her approval this morning and the book fair has been extended till March 17,” he said.
KM Khalid said that the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation is on March 17 and the time of the fair has been extended till that day.
He further said “People are flocking to the book fair this time. We are also trying to conduct the fair in accordance with the hygiene rules. We have imposed strict rules on wearing masks.”
It may be mentioned that the book fair was scheduled to end on February 28. Although the book fair usually starts from February 1 every year, the fair started on February 15 this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The fair remains open every day from 2pm to 9pm except for holidays. The book fair is open on holidays from 11am to 9pm.
