DHAKA, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's largest annual book fair kicked off in the capital Dhaka on Thursday.

       Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the month-long event.

       Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Hasina stressed the need for digital publication of books alongside printed ones and their translation into different languages.

       "I request all the publishers to be digital publishers alongside printed ones. We can reach quickly our Bangla language, literature and culture not only within the country, but also to the global stage," she said.

       A total of 937 stalls have been allocated to 635 organizations this year. Many new books are published every year during the mega book fair.

       Like previous years, there will be cultural programs and month-long seminars on the sidelines of the fair.