Inauguration of Amar Ekushey Book Fair by Chittagong City Corporation (CCC)

Advisor Adilur: Fascism may try to rise again taking advantage of weakness

News Desk    |    ০৮:২২ পিএম, ২০২৫-০২-০১

Adilur Rahman Khan, advisor to the Ministry of Housing, Public Works, and Industries, has stated that fascism might try to rise again by taking advantage of any weakness. He made this comment during his speech as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair at the MA Aziz Stadium Gymnasium Field on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

Advisor Adilur Rahman Khan said, "Let us remember that any weakness could lead to an attempt by fascism to rise again. The unity of the people will move Bangladesh forward, and what Bangladesh aspires to is to stand tall. 21 means not bowing our heads, as we always say. Today is February 1st. Let us remember this when we observe 21st February this year."

He continued, “After the fall of the 15-and-a-half-year fascist rule, the people’s struggle in the 36 days of July, with the blood of students and the public, changed Bangladesh. Today, this book fair stands on that changing narrative. Book fairs have been held in Bangladesh since 1952, and 21st February has been celebrated. Along with that, small-scale campaigns with commemorative booklets and events in different neighborhoods were organized. Although the Bangla Academy organized it on a larger scale later, the initiative in Chittagong started much earlier, albeit on a smaller scale.”

Stating that we stand on the blood of martyrs, the advisor said, “Today’s reality is that, standing on the struggle for human rights against injustice and fascist rule, today’s Book Fair represents that struggle. We hope that all students and participants in this struggle will write their stories. We hope the martyrs’ stories will be written. Today, I visited the grave of martyr Omar. Let us always remember that we stand on the blood of martyrs in today’s Bangladesh.”

In his speech, the Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC), Dr. Shahadat Hossain, emphasized the role of students and workers in the revolution from 2007 to 2024. He stated that the fight to protect basic and democratic rights and all struggles have been made possible due to the wealth of knowledge. He added, "Everywhere, students have played a pivotal role—whether it was in 1952, 1971, 1990, or 2024. Students have led the movements, with the working class united alongside them."

He further stated, “There is no alternative to reading. Our first verse in the Holy Quran is ‘Read in the name of your Lord, who created you.’ We must read—there is no alternative. At this Book Fair, publishers have set up their stalls, and I urge everyone to visit and buy books. If you don’t buy, they won’t be encouraged. They will be more motivated if you purchase books."

The special guests at the event included Dr. Mohammad Ziauddin, the Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong, and DIG of Chittagong Range, Mohammad Ahsan Habib Palash. The welcome speech was delivered by Sheikh Muhammad Touhidul Islam, Chief Executive Officer of CCC and Convener of Amar Ekushey Book Fair Chittagong 2025.

The event was also attended by the Chief Education Officer, Dr. Kisinger Chakma, Education Officer Ms. Rasheda Akter, Shahabuddin Babu from the Creative Publishers Association, Ali Proyas, CDA Board Member Zahidul Karim Kachi, Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Ibn Hossain Ziad, and CCC’s Welfare and Cultural Officer, Mamunur Rashid, among others. During the event, the book "Shreyasi" was unveiled. After the inauguration, the guests enjoyed a cultural program.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, organized by Chittagong City Corporation, has begun at the MA Aziz Stadium Gymnasium Field. The fair, which started on Saturday, February 1, will run for 26 days until February 26, 2025. It will be open daily from 3 PM to 9 PM, and on holidays, the hours will be extended.