Poet Helal Hafiz paid tribute at Book Fair

On the second day of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025, the late poet of love, rebellion, and humanity, Helal Hafiz, was remembered. On Sunday (February 2), at 4 PM, a discussion on the poet was held at the main stage of the book fair, which began with an introductory musical performance.

The keynote address was delivered by Kudrat-e-Huda. The event was presided over by Sumon Rahman, a teacher at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, with poet Mridul Mahbub speaking about Helal Hafiz.

Kudrat-e-Huda stated, "Helal Hafiz was not just a poet of love. He is likely to be one of the most prominent figures in blending art and politics. Although his name may not be widely recognized among the art-centric, anti-popular poets and critics of Bangladesh, he will endure. This is because he has always been deeply concerned about the fate of ordinary people, whose lives swing like a pendulum in the uncertainty of politics, and he has been consistently passionate about the political struggles in Bengal."

Bangla Academy sources said that, as in previous years, discussions and cultural programs will be organized throughout the month-long book fair. These events will take place every day at 4 PM on the main stage of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. The theme of this year's book fair is "July Mass Uprising: Building a New Bangladesh."

Event Schedule

The memorial event for Haider Akbar Khan Rono will begin at 4 PM on Monday, February 3 with an introductory musical performance. Sohrab Hasan will deliver the keynote, and the discussion will be chaired by Deepa Dutta while Abdullah Al Kafi Ratan and Joly Talukdar will discuss.

The memorial for Kumudini Hajong will take place on Tuesday, February 4 at 4 PM, starting with an introductory musical performance. Pavel Partha will present the keynote, and the discussion will be led by Motilal Hajong and Porag Ritchil, with Abu Saeed Khan presiding.

The memorial for Hossainuddin Hossain will begin on Wednesday, February 5 at 4 PM with an introductory musical performance. Ahmed Mawla will present the keynote. The discussion will be led by Shaheed Iqbal and Abul Fazal, with the event being presided over by Mainul Ahsan Saber.

In addition, every evening at the main stage of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, there will be cultural programs (recitation of self-written poetry, poetry, recitation, and music).