The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday called upon all to spread book reading movement across the country for building a rational, progressive and knowledge-based society.

He made the call while inaugurating the fortnight-long Dhaka Book Fair-2007 organised by Jatiya Grantha Kendra (National Book Centre) at the National Parade Square in the city.

The Chief Adviser said books play a significant role in the development of civilization and knowledge harnessed from the books brings prosperity for the human lives.

Referring to importance of national book fair, he said, such fair has an important role for creating social harmony and bringing prosperity in the social lives of the country.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed identified a very close relationship between book movement, library and book fair and said such movement has to be strengthened to build a skilled and creative human resource in the country.

Terming ignorance as the great enemy, Dr Fakhruddin said it is universally recognised that there was no alternative to books in establishing a knowledge-based society.

He laid emphasis on increasing reading habits by setting up libraries at every neighbourhood, village and union aiming at leading the society towards progress and prosperity.

The Chief Adviser hoped that the local government institutions could play a significant role in setting up libraries at every neighbourhood, village and union in future.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed also called upon the countrymen to buy at least one book in a month according to their ability and give books as gifts to their beloved ones in social functions.

Chaired by Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs ABM Abdul Haque Chowdhury, the inaugural function was also addressed, by former Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Professor Zillur Rahman Siddique, Mohiuddin Ahmed of University Press Limited (UPL) and Director of National Book Centre Mahmudur Rahman.

Adviser for LGRD and Cooperatives M Anwarul Iqbal, secretaries, academics, writers, publishers and high civil and military officials were present.

Later, the Chief Adviser went round different stalls and talked to the publishers.

A total of 123 publishing houses have been set up stalls in the fair.