Five-Day Book Fair Inaugurated in Saidpur

A colorful five-day book fair has started at the initiative of Saidpur Cantonment Public School and College. The fair was formally inaugurated on Wednesday (4 November) at the institution’s own playground in Saidpur Cantonment.

Brigadier General Mr. Mohammad Masudur Rahman, PSC, attended as chief guest and opened the fair by cutting a ribbon and releasing balloons. He is the Commander of the 222 Infantry Brigade of the Bangladesh Army, the Station Commander of Saidpur Cantonment and the Chairman of the Governing Body of Cantonment Public School and College. After the opening, he toured the different stalls of the fair.

In his speech at the opening program, Mr. Masudur Rahman said there is no substitute for books in the mental growth of people in our society. He said book fairs are mostly held in big cities like Dhaka, and large events like this are rare in our remote region. With this in mind, the fair has been arranged under the banner of Cantonment Public School and College. He said there are many educational institutions here. He said, “Our main goal is that students will come to the fair, buy books, read them and love books.” He added that cultural programs have been arranged every day along with the book fair, and there are plans to hold the fair on a bigger scale in the future.

Present at the program were Lt. Col. Mr. Syed Shafiul Islam Meraj, PSC, G, Artillery, Principal of Cantonment Public School and College, Mr. Khondoker Abdul Alim, Vice Principal (College), Mr. Muhammad Mohaymenul Kabir, Vice Principal (School), and Mr. Md. Shafiqul Islam, Vice Principal (English Version). Other teachers and students were also present. Ms. Farah Fateha Takmila, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Saidpur, and other invited guests also attended.

According to the organizers, the fair aims to build a reading habit among students and widen the knowledge of people of all levels. About 15 stalls have found a place at the fair. Along with books, there are displays and sales of art and craft items, a pitha fair, a business proposal event, a science fair, and discussions and cultural programs on cultural heritage and history. Several institutions are taking part, including Bangladesh Army University of Science and Technology and Saidpur Cantonment Board High School. The fair began on Wednesday and will continue until 8 November.