Dhaka: A two-day book fair and poetry recitation programme commenced at Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus today in observance of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. The event was initiated at MahuaTala, organized by Biborton Sangsad and Zia Smriti Pathagar. The fair is scheduled to continue tomorrow, operating between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event began with teachers inaugurating the programme through a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The opening included speeches that highlighted the event’s potential to foster a culture of reading and knowledge among students. Zia Smriti Pathagar President Saidur Rahman Simanto expressed the organizers’ hopes for increased student engagement with literature.
Sadekul Islam Timon, Convener of Biborton Sangsad, noted that the programme was designed to honor the language martyrs and celebrate linguistic diversity, including the languages and cultures of the country’s indigenous communities. Prof Dr Shamima Sultana, Adviser of Biborton Sangsad and Director of the Institute of Comparative Literature and Culture, remarked on the historical significance of the Language Movement in the nation’s democratic development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the proper use of Bangla to uphold national identity.
A notable feature of the fair is the “Jahangirnagar Corner,” which showcases books authored by JU students and writers. Other stalls at the fair offer publications related to the language movement alongside literary works of renowned authors. The event was attended by notable figures, including Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam, Proctor Prof Dr A K M Rashidul Alam, Chairman of Mathematics Department Prof Dr Mohammad Nazrul Islam, and Drama and Dramatics Department Prof Mohammad Khorshed Alam.