PM Sheikh Hasina inaugurates Ekushey Book Fair, 2016

"I always place emphasis on translation of Bengali literary works into other languages and vice versa so that we can taste the treasure of literature of other languages," she said while inaugurating the month-long "Ekushey Granthamela" (Book Fair) on the Bangla Academy premises here on Monday afternoon.

The Prime Minister laid importance on publication of more books on child literature and linked "Ekushey Book Fair" with other international fairs for its global exposure.

Professor Emeritus Dr Anisuzzaman was in the chair while Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor was present as special guest.

Director General of Bangla Academy Shamsuzzaman Khan, British educationist and poet Joe Winter, President of International Publishers Association Richard Charkin, Czech writer and researcher Robert Martin and Secretary of Cultural Affairs Ministry Akhtari Momtaz and local publisher Mazharul Islam also spoke on the occasion.

Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Dr Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, cabinet members, noted writers, researchers, poets and publishers and fellows of Bangla Academy joined the function.

Sheikh Hasina said the government is giving incentives for creative publications. Last year, Bangladesh became associated with world famous "Frankfurt Book Fair" which helped us gather experience about international standard publications, she said.

She welcomed the president and the general secretary of International Publishers Association (IPA) to this year's Ekushey Granthamela.

The Prime Minister handed over Bangla Academy Literary Award-2015 to 10 recipients and unveiled the cover of two Braille publications.

Welcoming the Bangla Academy Literary Award recipients, the Premier said her government has taken long-term initiatives for advancement of education, literature and culture.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bengali people achieved everything at the cost of sacrifice. "Ekushey February is a great inspiration for us. With much expectation, we wait for the book fair all year long, and the martyrs of the Languages Movement have created the expectation for us."

"Ekushey February inspires us, teaches us the language of protest, supply strength of struggle for realizing any lawful demand and shows us road to victory," she said.

She said the people of Bangladesh established their right to speak in mother language by sacrificing their lives, which is unprecedented in the world history. "Bangladesh was born as an independent state as its people could be united for the cause of their mother language."

Sheikh Hasina recalled the role of Bangabandhu and others in mobilizing the people for Language Movement, saying Awami League government coming to power in 1956 declared Ekushey February as "Shaheed Dibash" and construction of Shaheed Minar officially along with giving Bangla the status of official language.

She thanked Bangla Academy for arranging a discussion on Bangabandhu's historic six-point in this year's month-long discussions of the Academy during the book fair.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has given utmost priority to development of Bangla Academy. Recalling her memories of studies in Bangla Academy library during her student life, the Prime Minister said, "I feel well when I come to this premises."

The Premier said the Ekushey Book Fair not only inspires local people, it also creates enthusiasm among expatriates and foreign nationals living in Bangladesh. "It's now one of the largest book fairs in the world in terms of duration."

The Prime Minister said the recognition of UNESCO to Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day has enhanced Bangladesh's dignity on the world stage. In this regard, she recalled the initiative of two Bangladeshi expatriate nationals who played a great role in achieving this status.

Highlighting her government's sincere initiative for preservation of endangered languages, Sheikh Hasina said her government in its first tenure had taken an initiative for construction of International Mother Language Institute in this regard. But, the project became stagnant when BNP-Jamaat assumed office in 2001.

Awami League government after taking office in 2009 revived the project making it as an international institution. Now UNESCO recognized it as a second category institute, she said, adding that it (the institute) is now engaged in research and preservation of the languages, which are on the verge of extinction in the world.

Sheikh Hasina congratulated all the fellows of Bangla Academy marking its 60th founding anniversary this year.

Later, the Prime Minister visited different stalls of the book fair.