BARISHAL, Dec 31: The nine-day Barishal Division Book Fair opened in a festive atmosphere on Tuesday, inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman at the Bels Park ground in the city.
The event is organised by the National Book Centre under the auspices of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and managed by the Barishal Divisional Administration. Balloons were released to mark the inauguration.
In his opening speech, the divisional commissioner emphasised the importance of books, calling them 'a person's best friend that never deceives.'
He said, "Buying a good book for a child is like giving them a good friend. Books can guide us through life." He encouraged students to explore a variety of books beyond their academic curriculum, highlighting how reading provides knowledge in history, science, literature, and culture, while also stimulating imagination and mental development.
The programme, chaired by Additional Divisional Commissioner Md. Ahsan Habib, featured special addresses by Barishal Range DIG Md. Manjur Morshed Alam, Director of Local Government Khondokar Anowar Hossain, Additional Divisional Commissioner Md. Sohrab Hossain, District Commissioner Md. Khairul Alam Sumon, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md. Khalid Hossain, and Director of National Book Centre Afsana Begum.
Officials from various government departments, journalists, students, and members of the public from different professions were also present.
This year's fair features over a hundred stalls from various publishers and organisations. To make the event more engaging, poetry recitations by Barishal poets and writers, as well as essay and quiz competitions for students, have been organised.
The fair will continue until January 7, 2026, running daily from 4 pm to 10 pm, and on weekly holidays from 11 am to 10 pm.
