A month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2020 is going on in Khulna. Director of Local Government Department Hossain Ali Khondokar inaugurated the fair as chief guest at the Divisional Public Library premises in city’s Boyra on Sunday evening. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Khulna Md Helal Hossain was in the chair.
Marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the fair takes an extra festive look. This year Bangla Academy has set the theme of the fair as “Birth Centenary of Bangabandhu” and the book fair will be dedicated to the iconic leader, marking his birth centenary.
Chairman of Khulna Zila Parishad Sheikh Harunur Rashid, academician Prof Md Zafar Imam, Professor of Sociology of Khulna University Md Abdul Jabbar, Additional Commissioner of Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) SM Fazlur Rahman, Cluster Director of Robi Axiata Limited Md. Hamidul Haque, freedom fighter Sardar Mahbubur Rahman, General Secretary of Khulna Press Club Mamun Reza and President of Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association Md Alamgir Hossain, addressed the function as special guests.
Deputy Director of the Divisional Public Library Mohammad Ahsan Ullah delivered the welcome speech in the inaugural function. Many publishers have set up 105 stalls in the fair displaying various types of books.
The chief guest said that the books enlighten people. Creative books are essential for the mental development of children. Books help people to acquire knowledge about the outside world, he added.
“Bangabandhu Corner” has been set up with books written on Bangabandhu at the book fair.
The fair will remain open for all from 3pm to 10pm everyday till March 04.
Besides, drawing, book reading competition, recitation for children, book wrapping for new writers and cultural programmes will also be held every evening on separate themes during the fair.