Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked the authorities concerned for the translation of classical and well-selected Bangla works into different international languages to introduce the world readers with the ocean of Bangla literature.

"I urge you for the translation of the vast classical and well-selected Bangla works of literature to take those to the world readers," she said.

The prime minister was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair on the Bangla Academy premises.

Noting that books for children are too inadequate, Sheikh Hasina said there should be more books for the country's future generation. "I think there's a necessity to publish more books for our children."

Bangla Academy Chairman and Professor Emeritus at Dhaka University Dr Anisuzzaman presided over the inaugural session, while Bangla Academy Director General Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan delivered the welcome speech.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, President of the International Publishers Association (IPA) Richard Charkin, Publisher of Onno Prokash Mazharul Islam, British poet and poet Jibanananda Das's translator Joe Winter, Czech writer-researcher Ribek Martin and Cultural Affairs Secretary Aktari Mamtaz also spoke on the occasion.

The theme of this year fair is 'Diamond Jubilee of Bangla Academy' marking its 60 years.

The fair will open at 3:00pm and continue till 8:00pm on working days, while from 11:00am to 8:00pm on holidays. The fair time was 2:30pm to 8:30pm last year.

There will be a seminar at the main stage of the fair at 4:00pm every day from February 2 to 29.