The month of February brings memories of sacrifice — sacrifice sanctified by the love of our language. Sad and bad and mad the occasion indeed was way back in 1952. But however poignant the sadness of the February day 41 years ago was. the feelihg has subsequently turned into a source of strength and mood of celebration. But any occasion to observe needs befitting programmes. Book Fair arranged annually starting at the beginning of the month appears to be most suitable, no doubt about that. After the winter slumber, the regenerative touch Is best felt through the celebration of Ekushey. And what a nice way of doing the same through book fairs!

Book Fair, as arranged oh the occasion of Ekushey. is in fact a celebration of books themselves. On this count, the month of February has presented before us an opportunity to renew our commitment to books. This opportunity, however, has been squandered to some extent for some years now. The sombreness and sanctity of the occasion has been marred by the overenthusiasm of some or the deliberate effort of others to undermine the achievement a Bangalee can take pride in. For a nation that fired by the patriotic zeal has learnt to celebrate books, this is one most Inglorious thing to do.

The fact that Book Fair on the occasion of Ekushey has not been able to cross the city boundaries and touch the life at large outside a certain social parametre is ample proof of not realising the dream of those who laid down their lives for the cause. After all. there is little one can boast when the record of our mere literacy is wallowing at a pitiable level. Book Fair can indeed be worth its name if functional literacy — not just literacy — could be cent per cent in the country. Alas, this seems to be an ambitious target unreal-isable in centuries if the present rate of progress in the area of education continues. Book Fair or no book fair, all will prove futile if the majority of the population is left out of the pale of education.

Presently, however, the Book Fair held every year caters to the elite pursuit of a certain class. Even this can be more useful, although In a limited sense. If more such book fairs are arranged in different areas of the country. The books must reach the readers. What proves to be most important is the development of reading habit. Until now this has remained unattained and threats have come from other media, electronic In particular. The visual Impact has proved stronger than the strong point of the thought process through studying books. Reading hahlt together with generous subsidy In the production of writing and reading materials will ultimately decide the standard of our education which in turn will help In the emergence of a resourceful nation. This Is what we need.