Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Sept 4, 2026 (BSS) - The 9-day long 'Zia Smriti Book Fair-2026' observed its second day today at the Bangla Academy premises, marking the 48th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

The fair, which formally inaugurated yesterday (Thursday) at 3:30 pm, will remain open to all until September 11.

Books on Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman, and various other political figures are available at the fair.

Talking to BSS on the second day, Mahmud Bin Sharif from Genius Publication, said that their stall features notable titles such as 'Sonali Yug-er Ziaur Rahman' by Jahangir Shikdar, 'Bir Uttam Ziaur Rahman' and 'Tarique Rahman-er Bhabnay Parbatya Chattagram' by Md Sohidul Islam Suman, 'Nari Shikkhay Begum Khaleda Zia' by Shahed Shafiq and many other books.

 
He added that author Sohidul Islam Suman presented two of his books as gifts to Dr Zubaida Rahman on the opening day.

Alamgir Hossain, a psychologist visiting the fair, told BSS that the young generation is increasingly drifting away from reading books. He noted that many tend to post unverified information on Facebook without fact-checking, attributing this habit largely to their reluctance to read books.

Mohammad Saim Khan, who is handling book sales at the fair, mentioned that the book titled 'Amra Sobai Zia Hobo' is experiencing high demand. Visitors are taking keen interest, browsing through various titles, and making purchases, he added.

On Friday afternoon, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman attended a discussion organized by Zia Smriti Pathagar and Jatiyatabadi Prokashana Songstha at the Bangla Academy premises as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the law minister said this book fair will undoubtedly stand as a milestone for nationalist politics and secure a unique place in history.

Kader Gani Chowdhury, Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), addressed the program as special guest. He remarked that Ziaur Rahman envisioned a cultural awakening in the country and did everything necessary to foster its cultural development.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor ABM Obaidul Islam emphasized that there is no substitute for books, stressing the need to cultivate a habit of reading.

The Zia Smriti Pathagar Central Committee organized the fair to promote literature based on the life of Ziaur Rahman and books highlighting the principles and ideals of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Md Abdus Sattar Patwary, vice-president of the organizing committee and convener of the fair, stated that the event will remain open to the public to mark the party's founding anniversary.

Leaders and activists from various tiers of the BNP and its associate bodies, along with writers and visitors, attended the second day of the fair.