Amar Ekushey Book Fair to Open February

The much-anticipated Amar Ekushey Book Fair is set to begin in Dhaka on 20 February. According to a press release issued by the Bangla Academy on Wednesday, 17 December, all final preparations for the fair have now been confirmed. A special meeting was held at the Shahid Munir Chowdhury Hall of the Bangla Academy at 5 pm, where officials discussed the fair’s schedule and detailed arrangements.

The meeting was attended by Md. Mofidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam, the Academy’s board of directors, Dhaka University Proctor Professor Saifuddin Ahmed, representatives of publishing houses, and law enforcement officials. The attendees reviewed safety protocols, event management, and other organisational aspects to ensure the fair runs smoothly.

It was unanimously decided that the inauguration of Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will take place on 20 February at 11 am. The fair will continue until 15 March. According to Bangla Academy sources, over a hundred publishing houses from across the country are expected to participate in this year’s event. Visitors can look forward to an array of new book releases, discussion sessions, literary activities, children’s literature programmes, and a variety of cultural performances.

Bangla Academy expressed hope that the participating authors and publishers will have the opportunity to engage directly with readers. The event is expected to serve as a vital platform connecting authors, publishers, and the reading community. In addition, law enforcement personnel will maintain security throughout the fair to ensure a safe and orderly environment.

This year, the Academy has undertaken extensive measures to make the event more organised, engaging, and reader-friendly. Attendees are expected to enjoy a rich literary experience, exploring new publications and participating in discussions on diverse aspects of literature and culture. Special arrangements have also been made for children and young readers to encourage early engagement with books and literary activities.