Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has proposed transforming the Amar Ekushey Book Fair into an international event in the coming years, highlighting the fair's potential to promote multilingual learning, cultural understanding, and world literature.
"I would request everyone to consider whether th0ere is an opportunity to organise the Amar Ekushey Book Fair as an international book fair in the coming years," he said while inaugurating the 18-day fair at Bangla Academy on Thursday.
He emphasized that familiarity with multiple languages is crucial in today's globalized world, alongside preserving the mother tongue.
The Prime Minister called for year-round book fairs across all divisions, districts, and upazilas, stressing the importance of establishing a knowledge- and merit-based society to thrive in a competitive world. He also urged efforts to have Bangla recognized as an official United Nations language.
Highlighting the significance of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, Tarique Rahman noted it differs from international fairs as it commemorates the struggle for mother tongue rights and the establishment of Bangla as a state language. However, he questioned whether research-oriented publications are keeping pace with the fair's expansion and whether citizens' reading habits are improving proportionately.
Citing a survey by Australia-based CEO World Magazine covering 102 countries, he pointed out that Bangladesh ranks 97th in reading books, with the average Bangladeshi reading only three books per year and spending about 62 hours annually on reading. "The Amar Ekushey Book Fair should not be seen merely as a festival. We must work to make it a catalyst for cultivating a book-loving society," he said.
Quoting Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero, he added, "A room without books is like a body without a soul." The Prime Minister noted that reading exercises the brain, strengthens memory and analytical skills, and reduces risks of diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
Tarique Rahman expressed concern over internet addiction among youth, warning it poses serious risks to students' interest in studies and reading.
The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by recitations from the Holy Quran and other religious scriptures. The musical group Sursaptak, led by singer Ferdous Ara, performed "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February." Participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs of the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the July mass uprising.
Among the attendees were Bangla Academy President Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque, Director General Professor Azam, Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, the Prime Minister's wife Zobaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, PM Adviser Mirza Abbas, recently resigned Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Niaz Ahmed Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Mamun Ahmed, as well as several poets, artists, and distinguished guests.
This year's fair will run until March 15, open daily from 2pm to 9pm, with a special children's hour on holidays from 11am to 1pm. The event features 549 stalls and 87 little magazines, with books sold at a 25 per cent commission.
