Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia yesterday said Ekushey was the source of our national consciousness and the book fair on the occasion arouses our sense of respect to the national language and cul ture. reports BSS

Describing Ekushey as Our Pride she said the country's Independence and democracy are the fruits of Amar Ekushey

Inaugurating a month long Amar Ekushey book fair or ganised by the Bangla Academy here in the morning at the sprawling premises of the academy, the Prime Minister said such fairs sym iiolise mutual tolerance and practice of democratic values through coexistence of differ ent views and ideologies ex pressed in these books

Paying tributes to the mar tyrs of the Language Movement as well as to those of the Liberation War. the Prime Minister said the alm of the' Language Movement, the

Liberation War and the demo cratlr movement was to ensure the rights of Freedom of speech, consolidation of democracy and achievement of self-reliance

She said. We have been Implementing the objectives of these movements as the representatives elected by the people

Begum Zia acknowledged the immense contribution of writers and poets in enriching and establishing the Bangla Language in the world. She called upon the present ggner ation to familiarise themselves better with our culture and heritage

Begum Zia said the the Bangla Academy book fair which is one of the biggest in this region Is a grand meeting centre of the country's Intel tectuafo. poets and litterateurs

Lakhs of people come to this fair and see. buy books and participate in the cultural functions and discussions. exchange views to enrich our literature and culture.' she pointed out.

■We want to preserve this environment for the develop . ment of the Bangla Language and national progress." Begum Zia told thousands of book lover*, publishers. Intellectuals. poets and writers.

Begum Zia said her government was determined to ensure the development and preserve the distinctiveness of national culture and promote the cause of the mother tongue.

'That Is why we have laid emphasis on freedom in unhindered publication of books and periodicals." she said, adding: "A silent revolution has already occurred during the last few years in our printing and publication industry.'

Describing the Bangla Academy as a national Institution. the Prime Minister said the government has so far sanctioned Taka 3.14 crore for modernisation of the Academy press to equip It for

research and development of the Bangla Language

She said the government has. also approved a project for promoting the literary activities of young writers.

Describing publishing as a noble business, she urged the publishers to print more and more books, especially of world renown, to add a new dimension to the country's tradition in publication.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs. Professor Jahanara Begum presided over the inaugural function Bangla Academy Director General Professor M. Harunur Rashid and Secretary Mohammad Nurul Huda al«o spoke.

They lauded the personal initiatives of the Prime Minister to develop the Bangla Academy and provide over taka 11 core for the academy during the last two years though the academy had sought a sum of Taka two crore only.

The Prime Minister later went round different book stalls and talked to the publishers and readers.