Rangpur:The two-day 'Rangpur Literary Festival and Little Magazine Fair-2026' commenced with various programs in front of the administrative building of Carmichael College in Rangpur city. The event, hosted by 'Firedekha,' a local organization focused on literature, culture, and social issues, marks the 13th anniversary of the organization and has gathered over 150 writers, poets, and literary figures from all eight divisions of the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the festival began with the national flag hoisted by former Additional Secretary and poet Kali Ranjan Barman, who attended as the guest of honor. The event was officially inaugurated by the Principal of Carmichael College, Professor Dr. Md Abul Hossain Mondal, who served as the chief guest. A celebratory procession followed the inauguration.
At the Annadamohan Auditorium of Carmichael College, various thematic sessions of the literary festival took place, attended by distinguished poets, literary figures, writers, publishers, and editors. The discussion sessions were presided over by Tapas Mahmud, President of 'Firedekha,' and moderated by Farhana Hasan Bithi. Several notable figures, including former Vice President of the Carmichael College Students' Union Alauddin Mian and Commandant Abdur Razzak of the Rangpur Range Reserve Force, spoke as special guests.
A highlight of the festival was the unveiling of a special publication by 'Firedekha' titled 'Nagar Bhabna Rangpur' (Urban Thoughts Rangpur), which was discussed by Professor Dr. Mahmud Islam Selim. The festival also featured a seminar on the coexistence of little magazines, literary journals, and web-magazines, chaired by Ariful Islam and moderated by Afroza Rika.
Fiction writer Dr. Dipu Mahmud presented a keynote paper during a session on "The Writer's Responsibility in Fiction," which was chaired by Sheikh Shadi Md Sajjad Kaiser and moderated by Mahfuz Faruk. Various fiction writers and poets participated in the discussions.
The first day of the event included intellectual discourse and poetry readings, with participation from poets and writers from across the country's divisions. Discussants and poets such as Professor Mohammad Shah Alam, Latif Joaarder, and Sohel Mallick contributed to the vibrant literary atmosphere of the festival.