Desk Report:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said that one of the main criteria for the development of a state and society is to build a knowledge-based society. And books are still the most powerful medium for the flow of knowledge. Even though the style of reading has changed in this age of the internet, the importance of books has not diminished. Knowledge, experience and history flow from generation to generation through books.
The Information Minister said these things in his speech as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Pabna Book Fair on Friday (April 3, 2026).
In his speech, the Minister said that an educated and aware civil society is essential to ensure accountable governance in a democratic state. Events like book fairs play an important role in building a knowledge-based and merit-based generation.
Highlighting the recent political context of the country, Zahir Uddin Swapan said that voting rights have been re-established through the long movement and sacrifice of the people and an elected government has taken charge. Now the main responsibility of the government is to fulfill the expectations of the people and establish an accountable state system. If the political process and state structure, the power structure are not accountable, then for good reason, unaccountable power is bound to transform into fascism.
The minister called for further expansion of cultural activities centered around the book fair and assured all-out cooperation from the government.
Member of Parliament Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas was present as the main speaker at the event.
