Language fighter Ahmed Rafiq keen to visit book fair

Almost all language movement activists passed away except Ahmed Rafiq (95). He is now at the aged stage of life.

Despite this age along with having severe illness, he wants to visit the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, which is one of the last dreams of this language fighter. Talking to The Daily Post, Ahmed Rafiq expressed his think about the youths of new Bangladesh. He is so much hopeful  of this generation who recently freed country from the fascist government.

In an exclusive conversation with The Daily Post, Ahmed Rafiq said, "I have not been to the book fair for at least 10 years. I have become old, but still eager to visit the fair that brings me the memory of the language movement."

In response to the question whether he would go to the book fair if the government takes the initiative, the 95-year-old language soldier said, "If the government wants or make arrangement, then it could be possible to visit the fair."

Bangladesh is going though a major changes after the July Uprising. The language fighter also optimistic about the changes, especially of youths. He dreams of the youth as a change and humanitarian. The great warrior of 1952 said to the youth, "I was born on earth, and after a few days I left that should not be a purpose for anybody. Life is not purposeless. The youth must think about life and the people of the country as well."

It should be noted that the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair is held at the Bangla Academy. Although the main focus of this fair is the language movement, language soldiers are not appreciated there.

During the fair, various discussion meetings and poetry reading sessions are held at the fair every day; cultural programs are held every evening. In addition, there is a writers‍‍‍‍` corner at the fair, where writers are present and exchange views with readers and visitors about their books.

In addition, the names of the newly unveiled books, their authors and publishers are announced from the fair‍‍‍‍`s information center every day, and the overall list of books published daily is recorded. However, even amidst all this, the presence of language soldiers like Ahmed Rafiq at the book fair added extra joy.

Poet and journalist Emran Mahfuz said in this regard, one of the main objectives of our month-long book fair is to keep Language Day relevant to every generation. At the same time, it should also aim to honor those who have fought for the language and made outstanding contributions to the language.

He added that in order to remember the language fighters‍‍‍‍` contributions and present those who are still alive like Ahmed Rafiq, arrangements can be made from the government as well as authority. Those who organize and manage the book fair can look at the matter sincerely. This will introduce the new and old generations to the thoughts of our older generation.

When asked about this, Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam said, "We are taking care of the medical and other matters of this respected language movement activist. The Bangla Academy has collected many of his speeches and books. Considering his physical condition, we are in favor of keeping him at rest. However, if those who are taking care of him want, we will make arrangements to bring him to the book fair."