Just before midnight, as words to “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano”, began to waft through the air, the nation paid homage to the Language Movement martyrs.

Authorities decide to open the book fair an hour early on weekdays from now on to minimise losses after yesterday’s temporary close compelled by rain.

Underscoring the need for further enriching Bangla, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for building massive awareness to avoid distortion of the mother language.