A 10-day Divisional Book Fair began at Rangpur Public Library premises in the city on Friday. Rangpur Divisional Commissioner's Office with the assistance of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Jatiya Granthokendra arranged the fair that ends on May 11.

Minister for Cultural Affairs Asaduzzaman Noor, MP, formally inaugurated the fair as the chief guest.

A total of 65 stalls, including 61 of the renowned publishing houses of Dhaka have been set up in the fair.

At the inaugural ceremony Asaduzzaman Noor urged that people take to reading to promote an enlightened society and nation.

Civil society members, students, teachers, politicians and a large number of local people also attended the function.

The fair will remain open from 3pm to 9pm on weekdays and from 10am to 9pm on weekends. Arrangements have been kept for debate competitions, discussions, cultural functions, including poetry recitation and drama to be held every day at the fair. Besides, special cultural programmes will be arranged to observe the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore on May 8, to add special dimension to the fair.

A large numbers of visitors are visiting the fair everyday with much enthusiasm.