Weeklong Madhu Mela marking the 192nd birth anniversary of the great poet Michael Madhusudan Dutta kicked off at Sagardari on the bank of the river Kobadak on Friday night.

The fair will continue till 28 January.

Dr Mashiur Rahman, economic affairs adviser to the prime minster, inaugurated the fair as the chief guest.

Chaired by Dr Humayun Kabir, deputy commissioner, Jessore, the opening session was addressed, among others, by Ismat Ara Sadeq, state minister for public administration, Local lawmakers, Akhtari Momtaz, secretary, ministry of cultural affairs, Anisur Rahman, superintendent of police, Jessore, Razek Ahmed, commander, Jessore district unit Muktijoddha Command, HM Amir Hossain, chairman, Keshabpur upazila parishad, Sheikh Rabiul Alam, general secretary, Jessore Institute, Jahid Hasan Tukun, president, Jessore Press Club, Sharif Raihan Kabir, upazila nirbahi officer, Keshabpur, Dr Sabuj Shamim Ahsan, assistant professor, Govt BL College, and Ashrafuzzaman, president, Keshabour Press Club also spoke.

Artistes of Jessore Sahitya Parishad, Agnibina, district Shilpakala Academy, Nritya Niketan, Kingshuk and other cultural organisations performed at the function.