DHAKA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized considering whether the Amar Ekushey Book Fair can be organized as an international fair in future, saying it would contribute to introducing citizens to world literature and encouraging interest in learning and understanding multiple languages and cultures. "The Amar Ekushey Book Fair is one of the key creative initiatives of Bangla Academy inspired by the aspirations of the language martyrs.  "However, in view of the time, I would like to request all of you to consider whether there is a scope to organize the Amar Ekushey Book Fair as the Amar Ekushe International Book Fair in the coming years," he said.  Noting that recalling the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement in establishing the dignity of the mother tongue, the nation observes the Amar Ekushe with pride each year, the premier said but the day is no longer only Bangladesh's, rather the Amar Ekushey is now observed worldwide as International Mother Language Day. "So, as a political activist, I believe that if the Amar Ekushey International Book Fair is organized, it would play a positive role to make our citizens familiar with world literature and encourage them to learn and understand multiple languages and cultures," Tarique Rahman said. The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on the Bangla Academy premises here this afternoon.  Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury and State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam spoke at the function as special guests with Bangla Academy President Professor Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq in the chair. On the occasion, the premier also distributed the Bangla Academy Literary Award-2025 to eight distinguished personalities for their significant contributions to the fields of Bangla literature. Tarique Rahman said, in today’s global village, it is essential to become acquainted with multiple languages in addition to the mother tongue.  “To survive with prosperity and dignity in a competitive world, there is no alternative to establishing a knowledge- and merit-based state and society. Thus, we need to enrich ourselves with knowledge, science, technology, and talent,” he said.  The premier added: “Simultaneously, I think, we should start working to secure recognition of Bangla as an official language of the United Nations”. Noting that a democratic government has started its journey being elected by the direct votes of the people in a fascism-free Bangladesh, he said this accountable government wants to enlighten the country through knowledge.  The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, initiated in 1978 under the arrangement of Bangla Academy, is not merely a venue for selling books; it has now become a symbol of national intellect and creativity, the premier said, putting emphasis on making the fair as the center for education and cultural development.  Noting that although the fair traditionally begins at the start of February, the month of language, this year there was some deviation from the usual schedule due to the prevailing political realities of the country, he said, adding, however, it formally started today after some delay.  The month-long discussions, cultural events, and competitions in art, music and recitation for children and adolescents organized around the fair provide opportunities for the new generation to develop their latent talents, the Prime Minister said. Expressing hope that the book fair would become a meeting place of hearts and minds for all, Tarique Rahman suggested that book fairs should not remain confined to Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan premises during a single month, but it could be organized throughout the year across all divisions, districts and upazilas of the country. Stating that publishers could play an entrepreneurial role in this regard, he said, if there is scope for cooperation, the government will extend support.  The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the premier said, is ready to provide necessary assistance to this end.  While book fairs are organized in many countries around the world, Tarique Rahman noted that Bangladesh’s book fair is different.  It is rooted in the struggle to establish the rights of the mother language and to recognize Bangla as a state language, he said. The Prime Minister observed that although the size and scale of the fair increase every year, there is room to reflect on whether research-based books are being published in proportion and whether people’s reading habits are increasing accordingly.  Quoting the German philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero, he said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul”, adding that scientists and researchers also say that books are not only companions for education or leisure but that reading is a kind of exercise for the brain. However, Tarique Rahman pointed out that in the present time, information technology appears to be a major obstacle to reading habits, particularly internet addiction, which is gradually distancing the younger generation from books.  Referring to researchers, he said that although books can be read on the internet, the depth of knowledge derived from reading printed text on paper may not be the same as that obtained from prolonged immersion in computer screens, which may also have side effects on the body and mind. Researchers from universities in the United Kingdom and Canada have indicated that internet addiction poses a significant risk of diminishing students’ interest in studies, the premier said.  While the internet may be an unavoidable component of modern life, Tarique Rahman said, “We must be aware of its negative aspects and raise awareness about them. In particular, ways must be found to increase young people’s interest in books”. Citing a global survey conducted across 102 countries on reading habits, he said that according to CEO World Magazine, citizens of the United States rank highest in reading.  The country at the bottom of the list is Afghanistan, the premier said, adding unfortunately, Bangladesh ranks 97th among the 102 countries surveyed.  According to the survey, on average, a person in Bangladesh reads about three books per year and spends approximately 62 hours annually on reading, Tarique Rahman said.  Therefore, he said, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair should not be regarded merely as a festival.  Rather, it should serve as a platform to inspire greater love for books and encourage regular reading habits.  Highlighting the role of Bangla Academy as a symbol of the nation’s intellect, the Prime Minister said the academy has taken various initiatives such as research fellowships, young writers’ training programmes and international seminars to flourish the talents of youth. “Such efforts to connect future generations with the roots of Bangla language and indigenous culture will be expanded further, InshaAllah,” he said, adding, the Bangla Academy is also translating Bangladesh’s rich literature into English and other foreign languages.  He expressed hope that this work will be geared up, strengthening ties between Bangladesh and world literature, saying, “Therefore, we say, Bangladesh first”. The Prime Minister sought cooperation from all to build a safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh for all—regardless of party, opinion, religion or race—free from darkness and backwardness. Tarique Rahman concluded his speech declaring the opening of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair.  Later, along with his wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and other guests, the Prime Minister formally inaugurated the fair by cutting a ribbon.  He also visited different stalls on the Bangla Academy premises. At the inaugural ceremony, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman, Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association President Md Rezaul Karim Badsha and Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam delivered the welcome address. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and their daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, cabinet members, members of parliament, foreign diplomats, senior civil and military officials and dignitaries were present at the function.