ULIPUR, KURIGRAM, Apr 5: The 30th Ulipur Book Fair was inaugurated on Saturday morning on the Bijoy Mancha premises in Kurigram's Ulipur Upazila.
Organised by the social and voluntary organisation Friends Fair, the seven-day event began with the hoisting of the national flag and the organization's flag.
War-wounded freedom fighter (FF) Golam Mostafa formally inaugurated the fair.
Held under the theme "On your blood-soaked soil, the seeds of evolution are born every day," the opening ceremony was presided over by Zeyadul Islam, a member of the convening committee of Friends Fair's executive council.
Local lawmaker Barrister Mahbubul Alam Salehi joined virtually as the chief guest, while AKM Shafiqul Islam Dara, founder-director of Ulipur Kurigram Academy Residential School, spoke as special guest. Zulfiqar Ali, another convening committee member, delivered the introductory remarks. The programme was conducted by Tasfia Tasnim Jahan, a member of Friends Fair's volunteer council.
Other speakers included Umme Habiba Poli, head teacher of Ulipur Model Government Primary School, and teacher Tasnuva Chowdhury Esha. Teachers, students, and people from different walks of life attended the event.
In their speeches, the chief and special guests praised the organisers of Friends Fair and wished the book fair continued success. They also urged everyone to cultivate the habit of reading books.
The Ulipur Book Fair is widely recognised as a pioneering initiative among rural book fairs in Bangladesh. As one of the oldest and most traditional fairs in Rangpur Division, it has earned a reputation for its cultural and educational significance.
Daily programmes at the fair include subject-based competitions for school and college students. Each evening, cultural organizations-both local and invited-will present performances and plays, adding vibrancy to the week-long celebration.
