Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud urged the teachers and guardians to help develop the reading habit among youths and keep them away from being addicted to social media.
“Books help men to know themselves and give lessons to become conscious in purifying the society,” he said this recently while inaugurating a book stall of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) on Bangla Academy premises here.
Dr Hasan said though the number of readers is gradually coming down due to large scale spread of social media in the modern era, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair draws a huge crowd of book worms and publishers.
The minister said publication of new books, the number of book stalls and the crowd are increasing every year, signs showing that the social media addiction could not yet reduce the people’s interest in books.
He extended his thanks to the DRU members for setting up such stall in the fair for the last five years and said the DRU initiative does not only present books written by journalists but also inspire others to write books.
The minister also inaugurated a book stall of Department of Films and Publications (DFP) at the book fair and visited some stalls.
Vice-Chancellor of North South University Prof Atiqul Islam also spoke on the occasion while leaders and members of DRU were present.
