Rajshahi: A nine-day ‘Rajshahi Divisional Book Fair-2025’ concluded in the city last night with a call for encouraging people, especially children, to develop a habit of reading books from an early age. Jatiya Grantha Kendra, under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, organized the fair on the Collectorate Playground, arranged by the office of the Divisional Commissioner.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, more than 80 publishers, most of whom are from Dhaka, set up stalls at the fair displaying various types of books. Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Rezaul Alam Sarker and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Afia Akhter addressed the closing ceremony as the chief and special guests respectively, while Additional Commissioner Dr. Chitralekha Naznin presided over the event. Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Riazul Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police Rafiqul Alam, and Deputy Director of Jatiya Granth Kendra Farid Uddin Sarker also spoke on the occasion.
Rezaul Alam Sarker emphasized the enlightening power of books, stating their importance for the mental development of children. He stressed the need for making books accessible to readers to encourage a reading culture. The fair was expected to significantly contribute to this goal, with the additional commissioner expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts that ensured the event’s success.
The fair was open daily from 3 pm to 9 pm on working days, with extended hours from 11 am to 9 pm on weekends and holidays. Besides the creative publishers’ stalls, 11 stalls were set up by various government institutions, along with nine children’s corners. There were special stalls for law and order, information centers, medical teams, fire services, media, and food vendors.
Topic-based intellectual discussions enhanced the fair, which offered a dynamic blend of literature, culture, and intellectual engagement, fostering an environment of learning and creativity for all ages. Cultural performances by Shishu Academy artists and a drawing competition were organized for children, further enriching the event. Local poets, writers, and publishers showcased and sold their creative works.
Among the participating stalls, Quantum Prokashona secured the first position, while Onyadhara Prokasona and Satyan Prokasona claimed second and third positions respectively. The guests awarded certificates and prizes to the stall winners and other competition participants.