Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Mar 4, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 81 new books arrived on the seventh day of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair today. 

The fair is being held from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A discussion titled “Remembrance: Sanjida Khatun” was held at the main stage of the fair at 3:00 pm. 

The session was presided over by academician Professor Bishmadev Choudhury, while researcher and essayist Mofidul Hoque presented the keynote paper. Bangla Academy Director General Professor Professor Mohammad Azam took part in the discussion.

In his paper, Mofidul Hoque said it is difficult to define an eminent musicologist and one of the founders of the country’s leading cultural institution Chhayanaut late Sanjida Khatun’s extensive engagement in various fields of society and culture and the impact she left on people’s hearts demand a comprehensive evaluation. 

He added that throughout her life, she cultivated a cultural harmony and developed a distinct identity.

Hoque said her lifelong pursuit of self-development was closely intertwined with the idea of collective progress. 

Her multidimensional personality was shaped by the breadth of her work and diverse lifelong practices. What she achieved outwardly was also deeply nurtured within her inner self, creating a rare harmony between her inner and outer life that made her an exceptional personality, he added. 

Professor Mohammad Azam said Sanjida Khatun led a complete, refined and dignified life. 

He noted she enjoyed discussing music and engaging in detailed analysis and interpretation. Her identity as a teacher blended seamlessly with her roles as an essayist, critic and analyst, said Bangla Academy DG. 

He said her overall contributions to music practice, institutionalization and socialization would remain among her foremost achievements.

In his remarks, Professor Bishmadev Choudhury said that throughout her long and active life, Sanjida Khatun shared everything she had internalized with her students. She never compromised on determination, conviction and responsibility. Her life and works will remain an exemplary model for the younger generation.

In the “Lekhok Bolchi” (Author Speaks) session, fiction writer Nasima Anis spoke about her own books.

A cultural programme featuring poetry recitation was held at 4:00 pm.

The fair will resume tomorrow, March 5, from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

At 3:00 pm tomorrow, a discussion titled “Birth Centenary: Sukanta Bhattacharya” will be held at the main stage. 

The session will be presided over by poet Abdul Hye Sikder. A cultural programme is scheduled for 4:00 pm.