The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair began on the Bangla Academy premises in the city yesterday amid much enthusiasm among readers, writers and publishers.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the fair, one of the most traditional events, that is very close to the heart of the countrymen

This was the first visit of Hasina on the Dhaka University campus since she took over the charge of prime minister after the 9th parliamentary elections.

Unprecedented security measurers were taken on the campus as well as on the academy premises centreing the occasion.

The fair commemorating the supreme sacrifices of heroic Bangalees during the Language Movement on February21,1952 also serves as the meeting place of the country's eminent novel and short story writers, poets, literary critics, historians, columnists, journalists, readers apd cultural activists.

Meanwhile, leaders and activists of Jatiy^t^badi Chhatra

Dal (JCD), student front of BNP wore black badges on the DU campus protesting the prime minister's presence at the fair venue.

JCD leaders said they cannot welcome Hasina at the fair as hundreds of their leaders and workers are still out of the campus and residential dormitories due to post-election attacks by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCD men.

They also alleged that BCL cadres beat up hundreds of JCD men since the general elections at different education institutions across the country.

BCLmen.onthe other hand, welcomed the prime minister by bringing out a procession on the campus and at residential dormitories.

The number of participating organisations at the fair has risen this year to 297 from last year's 236 with a total of 436 stalls, a significant rise from last year's 362.

The stalls were allotted on both sides of the thoroughfare in front of the academy for the first time. So, the main gate has beeri b Gilt 6 b tMe triad in front of the Atomic Energy

Commission.

The book fair remains open to the public every day from 3:00pm till 9:00pm and on weekends from 11:00am till 9:00pm.

Children's hours at this year's fair will be between 11:00am and 3:00pm on Feb 6,7 and 27. Only adults accompanying children will be allowed to enter the fair venue during these hours.