Rangpur: The four-day Shaheed Abu Sayeed Book Fair-2026 in memory of martyr Abu Sayeed, a student of the 12th batch of the English Department of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), began here on Sunday afternoon. The university administration is organizing the book fair at the Independence Memorial Ground on the campus from today to April 15.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 35 publication houses and stalls from various organizations, including Abu Sayeed Corner, from Rangpur, Dhaka, and other cities across the country, have participated in the book fair. Martyr Abu Sayeed’s father, Md Maqbul Hossain, and mother, Most Monwara Begum, jointly inaugurated the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Book Fair-2026 by cutting a ribbon in a function arranged for the occasion.
BRUR Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr. Md Showkat Ali attended the inaugural function as the chief guest, with the Convener of the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Book Fair-2026 organizing committee, Associate Professor Dr. Md Moniruzzaman, presiding over the event. Registrar (additional charge) and Proctor of the university, Prof Dr. Md Ferdous Rahman, attended the function as a special guest. Other members of the organizing committee, students, publishing houses, and representatives of various organizations were present at the function.
After the inauguration, the VC, along with Abu Sayeed’s parents and other invited guests, visited various stalls of the fair. An inaugural discussion followed at the fair premises, where the VC highlighted the significance of the event. He remarked that the book fair has been organized by the university administration to commemorate the contributions of martyr Abu Sayeed. He emphasized that such events play a crucial role in cultivating knowledge and building human values.
In light of the ongoing energy crisis in the country, the fair will operate from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm every day, adhering to government instructions. However, on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, the fair will extend its hours from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on April 14. In addition to discussion programs, the fair will host writer’s chats, recitations, book reviews, children’s drawing competitions, and cultural programs daily.
It is noteworthy that Abu Sayeed was martyred in police firing while participating in the anti-discrimination student movement on July 16, 2024, in front of the university. His martyrdom ignited mass protests across the country, transforming the student movement into a widespread uprising, which ultimately led to the overthrow of the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime, forcing her to flee the country on August 5, 2024.