Rangpur: A five-day book fair in memory of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, a student of the 12th batch of the English Department at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur (BRUR), will begin tomorrow. Abu Sayeed was martyred in police firing while participating in the anti-discrimination student movement last year, which sparked widespread protests across the nation and led to political upheaval.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the book fair will be held at the Independence Memorial Ground on the university campus from February 18 to February 22, organized by the university administration. Vice-chancellor Professor Dr. Md Shawkat Ali shared this information during a press conference at the university’s administrative building. The inauguration will be led by Shaheed Abu Sayeed’s father, Md Maqbul Hossain, and Md Noor Islam, father of Shaheed Felani Khatun.
Vice-chancellor Professor Shawkat Ali emphasized that the book fair marks a cultural journey for Bangladesh, inspired by the sacrifices of Shaheed Abu Sayeed. He highlighted that the fair would annually showcase the history, tradition, and culture of the northern region to the nation, fostering a culture of reading among writers and readers. It also provides an opportunity for those who cannot attend the Amar Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka to buy and read books.
The Vice-chancellor further mentioned plans to extend the duration of future editions of the book fair. The event will include discussions, writer-reader interactions, recitations, and cultural programs. Notable figures like Daily Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman and Daily Jugantor Editor Poet Abdul Hye Sikder will join as discussants.
The book fair organizing committee includes Convener Professor Dr. Md Elias Pramanik and Member-secretary Professor Dr. Md Shahzaman, among other prominent faculty members and students.