New generation must turn to books to build knowledge-based Bangladesh: Food Minister

She said, books not only give knowledge, they increase the power of thought, teach one to know history and help think about the future. Without knowing history, the present cannot be understood, and without understanding the present, it is not possible to create the path to the future.

She said these things as the chief guest at the programme on the fifth day of the Zia Smriti Book Fair-2026, organised on the occasion of the 48th founding anniversary of BNP on Tuesday.

The food minister said, libraries are important places for developing knowledge practice and reading habits. Through the Zia Smriti Book Fair, an opportunity has been created to connect the new generation more closely with books.

Urging all to read the books written by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to know his life, politics and state philosophy, Afroza Khanam said that books including ‘The Birth of a Nation’ and ‘An Outline of My Politics’ help one learn about an important period of Bangladesh's history.

She also emphasised reading books about former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's life and political struggle. At the same time, the food minister expressed her determination to build a knowledge-based, skilled and humane Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

She said, doing well only in examinations is not enough. The new generation must try to know, understand, ask questions and learn about the world. Books are one of the strongest means of acquiring knowledge.

Recalling her father's books, the emotional food minister said that when she reads her father's books, she feels as if her father is beside her.

At the event, the food minister gifted 100 books to the Zia Smriti Library. Chief discussant Dr. Mahadi Ameen also highlighted the importance of reading books in acquiring knowledge and developing intellectual thought, and urged everyone to work unitedly for the development of the country.

The programme was presided over by Syed Imran Saleh Prince. Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, Mahmuda Habiba, Professor Dr. Harun Al Rashid and Syed Mahmud Jewel spoke as special guests.