News Flash
RAJSHAHI, Nov 9, 2025 (BSS) - A nine-day 'Rajshahi Divisional Book Fair-2025' concluded in the city last night with a call for encouraging people especially children to develop a habit of reading books from an early age.
Jatiya Grantha Kendra, under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, organized the fair on the Collectorate Playground, arranged by the office of the Divisional Commissioner.
More than 80 publishers, most of whom are from Dhaka, have set up stalls in the fair displaying various types of books.
Additional Commissioner of Rajshahi division Rezaul Alam Sarker and Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Afia Akhter addressed the closing ceremony as the chief and special guests respectively, while Additional Commissioner Dr Chitralekha Naznin was in the chair.
Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Riazul Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police Rafiqul Alam and Deputy Director of Jatiya Granth Kendra Farid Uddin Sarker also spoke on the occasion.
Rezaul Alam Sarker said books enlighten people; easy and creative books are essential for the mental development of children. Books help people 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 additional commissioner hoped the fair would contribute a lot to attain the desired goal and expressed his special thanks to all concerned for making the fair a total success through extending all-out cooperation.
The fair remained 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 had 11 stalls. Apart from this, there were also nine children's corners at the fair.
There were also special stalls for law and order, information centers, medical teams, fire services, media and food vendors.
Various topic-based intellectual discussions enriched the fair.
This year's book fair promised a dynamic blend of literature, culture, and intellectual engagement, fostering an environment of learning and creativity for visitors of all ages.
Cultural performances by Shishu Academy artists and a drawing competition were arranged for the children at the fair.
Additionally, local poets, writers, and publishers showcase and sell their creative works at the fair.
Among the participating stalls, Quantum Prokashona clinched the first position, while Onyadhara Prokasona and Satyan Prokasona bagged second and third positions respectively.
The guests handed over certificates and prizes to the winners of the stalls and other competitions.
