Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Oct 31, 2025 (BSS) - A nine-day 'Rajshahi Divisional Book Fair-2025' began in the city this afternoon aimed at encouraging people, especially children to develop reading books from an early age.

Jatiya Grantha Kendra under the ministry of cultural affairs arranged the fair on Collectorate Playground arranged by the office of Divisional Commissioner.

More than 70 publishers mainly from Dhaka have set up stalls in the fair displaying various types of books.
 
Commissioner of Rajshahi division Khondoker Azim Ahmed and Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Muhammad Abu Sufian addressed the inaugural session as the chief and special guests respectively, while Additional Commissioner Rezaul Alam Sarker was in the chair.
 
Joint Secretary the ministry of cultural affairs Hamidul Haque, Director of Jatiya Grantha Kendra Afsana Begum and Superintendent of Police Farzana Islam also spoke on the occasion.

Khondoker Azim Ahmed said books enlighten people; easy and creative books are essential for the mental development of children. Books help people to acquire knowledge about the outside world.

He underscored the need for reaching books at the doorsteps of the readers to encourage them to read.

The commissioner hoped the fair will contribute a lot to attain the desired goal and sought all-out cooperation from all quarters to make the fair a total success.

The fair will remain open daily from 3 pm to 9 pm every working day, with extended hours on weekends and other holidays, starting at 11 am and closing at 9 pm.

In addition to setting up stalls by the creative publishers, different government institutions have 11 stalls. Apart from this, there are also nine children's corners.
 
Special stalls for law and order, information centers, medical teams, fire services, media and food vendors at the fair.

Various topic-based intellectual discussions will enrich the event further.

This year's book fair promises a dynamic blend of literature, culture, and intellectual engagement, fostering an environment of learning and creativity for visitors of all ages.

Cultural performances will feature artists from the Shishu Academy. There is a drawing competition for the children.
 
Additionally, local poets, writers, and publishers will showcase and sell their works at the fair.