Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today visited the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Mar 7, 2026 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said the Amar Ekushey Book Fair is not merely a place for buying and selling books, but also an important gathering for the promotion of language, culture and free thinking.

He made the remarks while visiting the Amar Ekushey Book Fair in the capital.

"The country is moving forward under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, leaving behind a dark period. The government is working tirelessly to create an environment that encourages cultural development, creativity and free thought," the minister said.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam accompanied him during the visit.

During their tour of the fairgrounds, the ministers visited several stalls and exchanged views with publishers, writers and readers.

As part of the visit, they unveiled the covers of several newly published books, including "Teenagerder Bolchi" written by Sonia Hossain and "Dadur Mukhe Bhasha Andolan" by Syed Didar Bakht.

Nitai Roy Chowdhury said books like these would help cultivate reading habits among the younger generation and spread awareness about the history and spirit of the Language Movement.

He also welcomed the expansion of the publishing industry and praised the creative initiatives of emerging writers centered on the book fair.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, the Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the Director General of Bangla Academy, as well as prominent poets, literary figures and cultural personalities of the country.

At the event, State Minister Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam highlighted the importance of joint efforts by writers, publishers and readers in strengthening the development of the Bengali language and culture through the book fair.