Dhaka: Prime Minister's wife and Vice President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, today articulated her vision to expand the reach of Zia Memorial Libraries to villages across the nation. She emphasized the importance of fostering reading habits among children and young people, asserting that reading can instill values such as justice, honesty, dedication, and tolerance.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Zubaida shared these thoughts while inaugurating the 'Zia Memorial Book Fair-2026' as the chief guest at the Bangla Academy premises in the city. The event, organized by the central committee of the Zia Memorial Library, was held to commemorate the 48th anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and aimed to promote literature on the policies, ideals, and life of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
Dr. Zubaida expressed optimism that developing a reading habit could help children cultivate patience and facilitate their integration into society. She noted that literature on the lives of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia contains lessons of struggle, sacrifice, perseverance, patience, courage, and patriotism, which can serve as a guiding light for the younger generation.
Concluding her address, Dr. Zubaida recited an excerpt from her poem 'Tumi Nirbhik,' dedicated to the memory of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. She thanked the organizers for their efforts in arranging the book fair and expressed her best wishes for its success. Following her speech, she officially opened the book fair and toured the stalls.
The event was presided over by Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) administrator Bir Muktijoddha Abdus Salam, with JCD central organizing secretary Amanullah Aman moderating. The welcome speech was delivered by Shilpi Munsi Mohammad Rezaul Hossain Titu. Distinguished attendees included Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof. ABM Obaidul Islam, National Prof. Mahbub Ullah, BNP Standing Committee Member Forhad Halim Donar, Research Officer to the Prime Minister Abdus Sattar Patwari, National Press Club President Hasan Hafij, and various leaders from Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chatra Dal (JCD).