Shaheed Osman Hadi memorial book fair kicks off at DU

The five-day Shaheed Osman Hadi Memorial Book Fair opened on Sunday at Dhaka University (DU), calling on participants to uphold the ideals of Shaheed Osman Hadi.

Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan inaugurated the fair at Payra premises of Teacher-Student Centre (TSC). 

The event is jointly organised by the Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) and Dhaka University Tarun Lekhak Forum, in collaboration with Aurora Specialized Hospital Limited.

A total of 22 publishing houses are participating in the fair, which will remain open from 9 AM to 9 PM daily until 22 January. 

Alongside the book exhibition, organisers have planned cultural programmes and discussion sessions to commemorate Hadi’s legacy.

The inaugural ceremony was chaired by DUCSU Vice-President Shadik Kayem and moderated by Lekhak Forum General Secretary Abid Hasan Rafi and attended by several guests.

VC Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan said initiatives like the fair strengthen the university’s bond with society. 

Highlighting Hadi’s commitment to justice, the oppressed and resistance against hegemony, he added, “His murder was not just an attempt to kill a person, but an ideology. We want justice for Shaheed Hadi’s murder as soon as possible.”

DUCSU VP Shadik Kayem noted that Hadi’s work revealed the forces they were fighting against. 

“They thought they could extinguish his ideology, hopes and aspirations by killing him, but they failed. Instead, his ideology has spread across the world. Today everyone is saying in one voice, ‘We will all be Hadi, we will fight for ages,’” he said, adding that justice for his killing remains a priority.

The fair drew large crowds on its opening day, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the venue.

SH