"Let us build up a steely unity like those of '52 and '71, let us work together," he said at the opening ceremony of the month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2007 at Bangla Academy yesterday while addressing his audience of advisers, diplomats, Bangla Academy life-members and fellows and litterateurs.

He also inaugurated a sculpture titled, "Moder Gorob," in memory of the Language Movement martyrs. "Ekushey teaches us to resist repression, deprivation and inequality," the CA said adding "I believe, the citizens collectively inspired by the spirit of Ekushey would take us to our long cherished goal."

Fakhruddin also observed that the establishment of a just and knowledge-based society is most important at this moment of crisis in the country.

"Some are building mountains of wealth without any sort of accountability, while some others remain in abject poverty. This disorder and disparity cannot be allowed to continue," the CA said. "That is why accountability, transparency and balance must be maintained in all spheres of society. To this end, the establishment of mass awareness and public consensus are equally important," he added.

"We have to come forward to create an environment where the most knowledgeable, skilful, talented and competent people can stand up with their heads held high and can establish themselves in society," Fakhruddin observed.

The CA urged the authorities concerned to dedicate themselves to the task of writing down the true and objective history of the country.

He also stressed the need for commitment to "Promoting national culture, conserving cultural uniqueness and development of Bangla language."

The CA called on the authorities concerned to immediately initiate the process to outline a National Book Policy. He also asked the Bangla Academy authorities for taking steps to make soft copies of all of their published books and other important documents and make them available online in future.

"I call on all concerned to create new readership for books, eliminate illiteracy, improve education rates and strengthen the library system," Fakhruddin further said.

The CA observed that the present age demands growth and expansion of publication industry, marketing of books, quality publication at affordable price and increase in readership.

He also expressed his profound belief that the martyrs of the language movement would remain a source of unending inspiration for the Bangalees and would illuminate paths to build a just and honest society and country, free from repression.

The CA also praised the historic book fair for being the intellectual hub of the nation and the central forum for the youth, writers, poets and intelligentsia.