Water Resources Minister Abdur Razzak opened a book fair at Central Snaheed Minar yesterday as a mark of respect to the Language Movement martvrs. reports BSS.

The minister also laid wreaths at the Shaheed Minar under the sponsorship of Bangladesh Book Club nd Jatiya Kablta Parishad.

Razzak paid tributes to the memory of the Language Movement martyrs of 1952 and said valiant sons of the soil like Shaheed Barkat, Salam. Rafiq and Jabbar laid down lives to achieve the status for our mother tongue as state lan-

pointed out that historic Ekushey February has gained recognition as the International Mother Language Day under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Such recognition is yet another great victory for the Bangalee nation, he said.

Razzak described books as The torch-bearer of knowledge" and said there was no alternative to book for the promotion of literature, culture and civilisation. He urged all concerned to develop a habit of reading books.

Organised by the Bangladesh Book Club, the opening function of the fair was presided over by Sheikh Akram All. It was also addressed, by Director General of National Museum. Shamsuzzaman Khan and Deputy Commissioner. Dhaka. Abdus Sattar Khan.

Later, a rally was brought out from the Shaheed Minar to Jatiya Press Club with the slogan. " strengthen the movement for reading books."