Advisor Adilur Rahman spoke at the opening ceremony of Amar Ekushey Book Fair in Chittagong today. Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Feb 1, 2025 (BSS)- Advisor to the Ministry of Housing and  Public Works   Adilur Rahman said the unity of students and mass people will take Bangladesh forward. 

He said the unity that was forged on August 5 should be constantly remembered by us, that unity should not be   dampened by any force under any circumstances. 
“Fascism should not try to come back taking advantage of our any weaknesses. We have to remember that we are not free from aggression and various types of attacks,” he added. 

 Also advisor of Industries ministry  Adilur said these as chief guest while inaugurating 26 day long Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2025, by releasing balloons and pigeons at city’s gymnasium premises adjacent to MA Aziz Stadium on Saturday evening. 

City Mayor Dr Shahdat Hossain presided over the function while Divisional Commissioner Dr. Md. Ziauddin, Chattogram Range DIG Mohammad Ahsan Habib Palash, President of the Creative Publishers Council Shahab Uddin Babu, Editor Ali Proyas and Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Ibne Hossain Ziyad among others addressed the function as special guests.

Earlier, City Corporation CEO Touhidul Islam also convener of the book fair celebration committee, delivered the welcome speech. 

Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain presented books to the guests. Later, the guests, including the advisor, visited different stalls of the book fair. 
 
The student and mass people changed Bangladesh with their blood in 36 days of July by overthrowing the 15-and-a-half-year-long fascist regime.

 “We say one thing;  Ekushey means not to bow our head down. We hoped for holding our heads high, Ekushey February this year should be celebrated keeping this in mind.” he added.

CCC sources said that the fair will open every day from 3 pm to 9 pm while in weekly holidays from 10 am to 9 pm.

The entire fair venue will be under CCTV surveillance and volunteers will be on duty along with the law enforcing agencies to ensure security, organisers   said.

Ekushey Honorary Medal and Literary Award will also be given to eminent personalities for their outstanding contributions in different fields. 

A total of 144 stalls have been allocated to renowned publication houses from Dhaka and Chattogram.