19-day Swadhinata Boi Mela kicks off in Ctg

The 19-day-long Swadhinata Boi Mela organised by Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), began today at the city's gymnasium ground, beside the MA Aziz Stadium.

The fair will continue until April 18.

CCC Mayor Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the Independence Book Fair 2026 this afternoon.

The fair usually begins in February each year, but this time it was delayed due to the 13th national parliamentary election and the holy month of Ramadan.

In his speech as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, the CCC mayor said there is no alternative to reading books for creating a moral, knowledge-based, and humane society. Books expand human thinking, create values, and guide generations on the right path.

Expressing deep respect for the brave martyrs of the Liberation War, the mayor said, “Presenting the correct history of the Liberation War to future generations is our moral responsibility.”

“We want the correct history of the Liberation War to be preserved at every historical site in Chattogram, so that future generations can know the true history,” he added.

The fair serves as a vital intersection for the country's publishing giants. Of the 96 participating houses, 46 have travelled from Dhaka, bringing the latest contemporary works to the doorsteps of Chattogram’s readers. Meanwhile, 50 local publishers are out in force, proving that the port city's own literary engine is humming louder than ever.

Shahabuaddin Hassan Babu, president of the Chattogram Creative Publishers Council, noted the significance of this cross-city collaboration. "The interest of publishers from Dhaka remains a testament to Chattogram's hunger for literature. We aren't just selling books; we are sustaining a harmony."

What sets the Swadhinata Boi Mela apart is its commitment to being a "knowledge-based society" hub. The main stage is scheduled to be a revolving door of heritage and art. From Rabindra and Nazrul festivals to dedicated days for the Liberation War and folk music, the fair intends to educate the younger generation as much as it entertains.

For the children, the fair offers a competitive spark. Daily events in painting, recitation, and song are designed to pull the "digital generation" away from screens and back into the tactile world of creativity.

In an era where public safety is paramount, the organisers have left nothing to chance. The entire perimeter has been brought under CCTV surveillance, supported by a coordinated effort between police and private security firms, said CCC secretary Ashraful Amin.