Rangpur: With the aim of increasing the habit of reading books among the people to build an enlightened society, an eight-day divisional book fair-2025 began today at the city’s public library grounds. The National Book Center is organising the fair under the management of the Divisional Commissioner’s Office and patronage of the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam inaugurated the divisional book fair by cutting a ribbon and releasing balloons and pigeons in a colorful function as the chief guest. The newly-appointed Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Rangpur Mohammad Enamul Ahsan presided over the function.
The Divisional Commissioner highlighted that all the knowledge that has existed since the birth of the world till now can be obtained from books. Emphasizing the importance of books, he mentioned that people are turning their backs on them day by day. This fair has been organised to reignite interest in reading. He expressed hope that the book fair will play a significant role in developing the reading habit among the young generation and making them conscious citizens.
The Deputy Commissioner remarked that the book fair is an important means of intellectual and economic development of a society. He noted that research has shown that investing in knowledge and book-related activities yields many times the positive returns that are not easily available in any other sector. Books are instrumental in changing people’s thinking and fostering creativity.
Referring to the July Uprising, he stated, “The awareness and enthusiasm that we witnessed among our young generation in the 2024 Uprising was the greatest force behind the light of books.”
Eighty-three stalls have been set up at the Divisional Book Fair, which will continue until November 25. The fair premises will be open to everyone from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm daily, featuring discussion meetings, cultural programs, debates, and quiz competitions.
Rangpur Range DIG of Bangladesh Police Aminul Islam, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Majid Ali, Divisional Director of the Local Government Division Md Abu Zafar, Rangpur Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md Abdul Motaleb Sarkar, Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner (Traffic) Limon Roy, National Book Center Director Afsana Begum, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Most Rabeya Basri, and playwright and poet Md Zahid Hossain were present as special guests.