A total of 1,326 new books hit the month-long Amar Ekushey Book fair till Thursday, the first 15 days of the book fair, out of which seven books have been written about Bangabandhu (founding leader of Bangladesh).
On Bangabandhu, last year there were eleven in the first 15 days of the book fair and a total of 35 books were written till the last day of the fair according to Bangla Academy.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, known as “Bangabandhu” (Friend of Bengal), holds a significant place in the history of Bangladesh. He played a pivotal role in leading his nation to independence and shaping its destiny as an independent country.
Writers bring new books to the book fair every year to present the life and philosophy of Bangabandhu to the new generation so that the children of this generation can develop themselves as good citizens by keeping the ideals of Bangabandhu.
Shaikh Faisal Amin, Columnist and Analyst, told The Business Post, "After 1975 a scheming group was made to erase Bangabandhu's achievement. Sheikh Hasina, Bangabandhu’s daughter, took action to recover the history of Bangabandhu after coming to power. As a result, fundamental research is being done on Bangabandhu at present through which present and future generations can understand Bangabandhu better."
"Our research or attempt to know about Bangabandhu will be continuous which is never-ending. Bangabandhu will be researched and studied as long as this world exists. Like Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Ho Chi Minh, Bangabandhu will remain in the minds of every person in the world for eternity." he added.
"Books are an important medium of conveying Bangabandhu's philosophy to the world. Therefore, research and publication on Bangabandhu should be increased."
Meanwhile, a total of 97 titles hit the book fair on Thursday.
At the programme "Lekhok Bolchi", Essayist Masudul Haque, Poet and Editor Ezaz Yusufi, Researcher Kazi Shamio Shes and writer of juvenile Runa Tasnima discussed their new books.
A discussion titled "Remembrance: Abdul Halim Bayati" was held at the main stage of the fair on Bangla Academy ground at 4pm. Zobair Abdullah presented the article while Saidur Rahaman Bayati presided over the event. Shafiqur Rahman Chowdhury and Mohammad Nishane also participated in the programme.
"A talented saint poet like Abdul Halim Bayati is rare in this country. His name will be written in golden letters in the history of folk music of Bengal." Saidur Rahaman Bayati said in his speech.
A discussion titled " Remembrance: Brigadier (retd) Abdul Malik" will be held at the main stage of the fair on Bangla Academy grounds at 4pm on Friday. Harisul Haque will present the article while Prof ABM Abdullah presides over the event. Fazilatunnesa Malik and SM Mustafa Zaman will also participate in the programme.
The fair will open at 11am on Friday and end at 9:00pm. Visitors can't enter the fair after 8:30pm.
