Ekushey book fair in Pabna

Justice Golam Rabbani(left), Young dancers perform at the programme.Photo: STAR

The two-week-long Ekushey book fair began on February 1 at the Pabna Town Hall premises. The organiser of the well attended event is the Ekushey Book Fair Celebration Committed, Pabna. Discussions and cultural programmes are the daily features of the fair. Meanwhile 25 new books were launched at the function.
Former Justice of the Supreme Court, Golam Rabbani was the chief guest at Monday's discussion. Prominent cultural personality of the district, Mohammad Abdul Aziz was in the chair.
“The Bangla language must be preserved at every step of the way. We should remember that our countrymen sacrificed their lives for our mother tongue. We are proud of our language and have to give it a prominent place in nation building,” said Rabbani.
In his speech, Rabbani went on to add: “Books are a storehouse of knowledge. We must give a boost to the book reading habit. Such fairs should be organised in every nook and cranny of Bangladesh so that more people can access books.”
Prominent physician Dr. Ram Dulal Voumik and journalist ABM Fazlur Rahman, among others articulated their views in course of the discussion. Earlier, a discussion was conducted by Professor Bazlur Rahman and Mashiur Rahman on Sunday at the fair premises.
Meanwhile 25 new books were launched at the fair. Among the noteworthy new books by local writers are 'Nil Atonko', 'Asru', 'Ahoto Shadhinota', 'Kolpita', 'Hemonter Godhuli Logone', 'Jhora Phul' and 'Path Harar Dairy Theke.' Poetry and prose were the predominant genres, said sources.
Meanwhile a colourful cultural programme was also held. Artistes from Sangeet Biddya Bithi, a cultural organisation, entertained the audience with patriotic songs, dance and recitation. Shafique Uddin Ahmed, head of the organisation, conducted the cultural programme while Saki Rezwana, Fahmida Jahan, Liton, Erika, Munmun, Jimi, Nishu and Antu were the performers.