The sixth ‘Alor Onneshon Book Fair’ begins today in Sylhet, bringing together writers, readers and cultural enthusiasts under one roof.
The fair will be formally inaugurated at 4pm on Saturday (January 10) at the Central Muslim Sahitya Sangsad (KEMUSAS) premises near Dargah Gate in the city. A poetry recitation session and a cultural evening will follow at the fair stage from 6pm.
The book fair will continue until January 19 and remain open every day from 2pm to 9pm.
This year’s fair has been dedicated to July fighter Shaheed Sharif Md Osman Hadi, described by the organisers as a courageous soldier who stood against domination and oppression.
Alongside book stalls, the fair will host a series of literary and cultural programmes throughout its duration. On January 11 (Sunday) at 6pm, a session of original poetry recitation will be held. A book unveiling ceremony is scheduled for January 12 (Monday) at 6pm.
Students from Class Six to Higher Secondary levels will take part in a creative writing competition on January 13 (Tuesday) at 4pm, followed by a recitation competition on January 14 (Wednesday) at the same time. A general knowledge competition will be held on January 15 (Thursday), while a drawing competition is set for January 16 (Friday), both starting at 4pm.
The Papri–Karamat Ali Literary Festival will be held on January 17 (Saturday) at 3pm. The fair will conclude with a closing ceremony on January 19 (Monday) at 6pm.
Calling for active participation from city residents, Alor Onneshon president and poet Sajan Ahmed Saju and general secretary MJH Jamil, a journalist, expressed hope that the fair would further strengthen Sylhet’s literary and cultural space.