Prime Minister Khaleda Zia is expected to inaugurate the book fair at noon.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Selima Rahman said this at a press conference at the Press Information Department (PID) yesterday.

A total of 83 local and foreign organisations, including British Council, Iran Cultural Centre, National Book Trust of India (NBTI) and World Bank, will take part in the fair.

This year's theme of the fair is "Book for peace and development".

The Cultural Ministry and the Jatiya Grantha Kendra will jointly bring out a colourful procession from the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the city at 9:00am today marking the book fair.

Selima Rahman said the fair would continue till January 18 with a three-day break on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Azha. The fair will remain open for visitors from 2.30pm to 8.30pm everyday and from 11:00am to 8.30pm on holidays.

The entry fee for the fair is Tk 2. However, students will be allowed without any ticket, Selima Rahman said. The budget of the fair is Tk 42 lakh.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will hand over awards to five science writers selected by the Bangla Academy at the inaugural function of the fair.

The prime minister will also release a postal ticket, present "Shubhechha Patra" (letter of wish) and books to 12 students, who received primary and junior scholarships this year.

"From now on, the Dhaka Book Fair will be held every year on the premises of Shilpakala Academy," the state minister said, adding that the home ministry will take full-time security measures for the fair.