PM opens Amar Ekushey Book Fair

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka.

This year, the fair has kicked off amid the BNP-led coalition’s violent anti-government protests.

Hasina on Sunday said: "It seems the people of Bangladesh are ill-fated. Whenever they get the chance to live a prosperous life, dark clouds from somewhere cast a pall of gloom."

"The country was progressing peacefully during the past one year. Bangladesh is one of the five countries achieving growth. But there is a blow whenever possibilities open up," she said.

"But the people of Bangladesh will not concede," she added.

Speaking on the violence during the blockade enforced by the BNP and its allies, the prime minister said, "The air of hospital burn units are heavy with screams. I don't understand why this has happened."

"Why must the people be held responsible for someone’s wrong political decision? What is the people's fault that they had to be burnt to death?" she asked.

She also slated the BNP for persisting with the blockade and shutdowns during Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations.

"We restored order to our education system. The process of supplying books to the students on the first day of the year has started. Exams are held as per schedule, results are published timely so that students can have an undisturbed educational life.

"But," she continued, "shutdowns are being called in a bid to slow them down."

Explaining the reason behind the deferring of the SSC exams, the prime minister said, "We do not want to take any risk. Those who are perpetrating violence are not human beings. They do not even care for the children."

The Bangla Academy has, for the first time, organised an International Literary Conference alongside the book fair.

As many as 48 litterateur from 12 countries are taking part in the meet.

This year's fair has 565 stalls showcasing books of 351 publishers.

Along with police, members of the Rapid Action Battalion, Ansar, Border Guard Bangladesh, and detectives will ensure security during the blockade.

The fair will start at 3pm and end at 9pm. On holidays, it will be open from 11am to 9pm.

On Feb 21, the International Mother Language Day, the fair will be held from 8am to 9pm.

Four days have been designated for children.