Photo: PID

DHAKA, Sept 07, 2026 (BSS) - Food Minister Afroza Khanam, MP today said the new generation must become more inclined towards books to build a knowledge-based Bangladesh.

“Books not only provide us with knowledge; they strengthen our power of thought, teach us to preserve history and show us the way forward. If we do not know history, we cannot understand the present, and if we do not understand the present, we cannot chart the path to the future. So, we have to read, learn and think,” she said.

The Food Minister made the remarks while addressing the fifth-day programme of Zia Smriti Book Fair-2026, organized on the occasion of the 48th founding anniversary of BNP, on the premises of Bangla Academy in the capital.

Afroza said a book fair is a highly important event. A library is a place for the pursuit of knowledge, a venue for developing reading habits and one of the key means of connecting the new generation with books.

She said, “On this day, I recall with deep respect Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. To learn about his politics, statecraft and ideas on nation-building, one has to read his books. Various works, including ‘The Birth of a Nation’ and ‘The Outline of My Politics,’ help readers learn about a particular period and understand his life, thoughts and the history of the emergence of Bangladesh.”

The food minister further said, “A book opens the door to the past, teaches us to understand the present and encourages us to think about the future.”

She also paid deep respect to the memory of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson late Begum Khaleda Zia.

The food minister said the book ‘Life and Struggle of Begum Khaleda Zia’ provides an opportunity to learn about her long political journey and struggle. Those who want to know the political history of Bangladesh should read such books, she said.

“I also extend my respect and best wishes to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman,” the food minister said.

She said, “It is not enough for the new generation to achieve good results in examinations; they have to learn, understand, ask questions and try to know the world. And books are one of the most powerful means of acquiring this knowledge.”

She said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman led a very simple life; he did not like luxury as he thought about the development of ordinary people. 

She also recalled various memories of his honesty and simple way of life.

The food minister said three members of a family had come forward to stand beside the people of the country at three different times during critical periods in Bangladesh and had saved the country from disaster.

The food minister thanked the organizers and donated 100 books to the Zia Smriti Library.

Chief discussant at the programme, Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr. Mahadi Amin, called upon everyone to work together for the development and progress of the country. 

At the same time, he highlighted the importance of reading books for acquiring knowledge and developing intellectual faculties.

Syed Imran Saleh Prince presided over the programme.

Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, MP; Mahamuda Habiba, MP; Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid; and Saeed Mahmud Jewel spoke as special guests.