GOPALGANJ, July 27, 2023 (BSS) - A two-day-long 'literature fair' began in Tungipara upazila of the district today with the aim of highlighting the works of upazila-level writers at the national level.

State minister for cultural affairs KM Khalid inaugurated the 'Sahitya Mela' as the chief guest on the premises of Gimadanga-Tungipara (GT) Government High School, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture Affairs which is dedicated to the memory of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kazi Mahbubul Alam chaired the inaugural function.

The chief guest said, "We are starting this literature fair from the proud birthplace of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."

Upazila literature fair has started from today  in 64 upazilas of 64 districts of the country, he said.

"This arrangement is to retain the thousand years of Bengali culture and highlight grassroots writers at the national level. Cultural activists built cultural movements in the liberation war. This country has become independent with the combined efforts of all. Independence must be upheld. Conspirators should be stopped through art, literature and culture'' he said.

Director General (DG) of Bangla Academy Muhammad Nurul Huda addressed the function as the main speaker.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's designated representative for the development activities in her constituency Md. Shahid Ulla Khandkar, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Khalil Ahmad, Superintendent of Police of Gopalganj Al-Beli Afifa, district Awami League President Mahabub Ali Khan, among others, spoke as the special guests.

Tungipara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Al Mamun, Tungipara Upazila Awami League President Abul Bashar Khair, Municipal Mayor Tozammel Haque Tutul, Acting Upazila Chairman Asim Kumar Biswas also spoke.

On the first day of the fair, writers' names will be registered, essay reading and discussion on the literature and culture of Tungipara upazila, poetry, rhymes, fiction, drama, essay-research, writers' workshop on the art-techniques and methodical aspects of writing, literature reading and culture programs will be held.

On the concluding day on Friday from 9:30am to 8:00 pm, the literary fair has various events including essay reading, discussion meeting, literary chat and cultural program. Besides, a book fair is being held on two days of the fair.

Rabindranath Adhikari, a poet and journalist of Gopalganj, said that under the auspices of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, said this event has created a renaissance among the poets and writers of Tungipara Upazila of the district.