35th New York International Bengali Book Fair Begins

The cultural landscape of the Bengali diaspora is set to reach a historic milestone as the 35th New York International Bengali Book Fair prepares to open its doors. Scheduled to run from 22 to 25 May 2026, this landmark edition celebrates over three decades of literary excellence and linguistic heritage. Organized by the Muktodhara Foundation, the fair will once again be hosted at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center (JPAC) in New York, operating under the evocative theme: “Joto Boi, Toto Pran” (The More Books, The More Life).

A Milestone for Global Bengali Literature

The announcement was made during a formal press conference held on Wednesday at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka. Addressing the media, the convener of the 35th fair and noted economist, Nazanur Islam, emphasised the strategic significance of this year’s anniversary.

“This 35th year is a watershed moment,” Islam remarked. “Our primary objective is to forge deeper connections between this celebration of the Bengali language and mainstream American cultural institutions. We are implementing various initiatives to integrate Bengali literature more robustly into the international arena.”

A Bridge Across Continents

Professor Ziauddin Ahmed, President of the Muktodhara Foundation, highlighted the fair’s role as a vital social glue for the global Bengali community. He noted that the event has evolved far beyond a simple marketplace for books; it has become a premier meeting ground for writers and readers from Bangladesh, West Bengal, Europe, and across North America.

“It is truly heartening to see how the fair grows in stature every year,” Professor Ahmed stated. “Despite being thousands of miles away from the motherland, the shared love for our language brings people together in a way that transcends borders.”

Tradition of Literary Honour

Since its inception in 1992, the New York International Bengali Book Fair has maintained a steadfast tradition: the opening ceremony is always performed by an eminent writer. While ministers and dignitaries often attend, the place of honour is strictly reserved for the literary architects of the language.

The press conference featured insights from several literary figures and publishers, including National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz and popular novelist Sadat Hossain. The presence of major publishers like Monirul Huq of Ananya and Alamgir Sikder of Akash Publishers underscores the commercial and intellectual weight the fair carries within the publishing industry.

As the countdown to May 22 begins, the Muktodhara Foundation aims to ensure that the 35th edition serves as a vibrant testament to the enduring power of the Bengali word in the heart of the “Big Apple.”