Amar Ekushey book fair begins Thursday

The month-long Amar Ekushey book fair will begin on Bangla Academy and its adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan premises in the capital on Friday. 

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the fair on Bangla Academy premises at 3 pm. 

Dr Jalal Ahmed, director of Bangla Academy and member secretary of Ekushey Book Fair Committee said on Thursday while addressing at a press conference held at Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad of Bangla Academy. 

Among others, Bangla Academy director general Habibullah Siraji, its secretary Abdul Mannan Elias, Nirapad Sarak Chai movement chairman Ilias Kanchan, bKash chief marketing officer Meer Noubot Ali were present. 

Bangla Academy public relations department director Oporesh Kumar Banerjee conducted the press conference. 

Professor emeritus Dr Anisuzzaman will preside the inaugural ceremony of the book fair. State Minister for Culture Affairs KM Khalid, Indian poet Shankha Gosh and Egyptian writer Mohsen Al Arishi will present as special guest, said Dr Jalal.    

This year, a total of 523 publication hoses will take part in the fair, he added.