Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, March 31, 2026 (BSS) - A 19-day 'Great Independence Book Fair-2026' began today in the port city, marking the spirit of the great Independence.

Organised by the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), the fair was inaugurated this afternoon at the gymnasium ground adjacent to Kazir Deuri District Stadium and will continue until April 18.

City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, underscored the importance of reading in building a moral, enlightened and humane society. 

He paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and stressed the need for presenting its accurate history to future generations.

He said efforts are underway to preserve Liberation War memorials in the city, including the Pahartali massacre site, and to prepare an authentic list of martyrs with cooperation from freedom fighters. 

Ensuring due respect and dignity for freedom fighters is a responsibility of both the state and society, he added. Highlighting the significance of the event, the mayor said investment in books enriches knowledge and never goes in vain. 

He also stressed expanding library culture in educational institutions, noting that library facilities have already been enhanced in institutions run by the Chattogram Liberation War Committee, alongside the introduction of e-library systems in leading universities.

The fair features 129 stalls across a 40,000-square-foot area, including 35 double and 94 single stalls, with participation of 112 publishing houses from Chattogram and Dhaka.

The fair will remain open daily from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, while on holidays it will operate from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.

A range of cultural and literary programmes will be held throughout the fair, including Rabindra Festival, Nazrul Festival, Baisakhi Festival, writers' rally, children and youth events, Liberation War-based discussions, poetry sessions and folk cultural programmes. 

Eminent writers, poets, journalists and educationists will join daily discussion sessions.

The inaugural function was presided over by CCC Acting CEO and Secretary Md Ashraful Amin. 

Among others present were DIG (Chattogram Range) Md Moniruzzaman, CMP Deputy Commissioner Hossain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan, Additional Divisional Commissioner Nusrat Sultana, Additional Deputy Commissioner Pathan Md Saiduzzaman, Liberation War researcher and freedom fighter Dr Mahfuzur Rahman, politician and freedom fighter Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, and freedom fighter Commander Shahabuddin Ahmed Chowdhury.