For the second consecutive year, Bangladesh will be absent from the prestigious Kolkata International Book Fair, leaving literary enthusiasts and publishers disappointed. Historically, Bangladeshi publishers have been regular participants, drawing large crowds and generating significant book sales for local authors.

However, following the political unrest of July–August 2024 and the subsequent formation of an interim government in Bangladesh, the country was not represented at last year’s fair—and the trend continues in 2026.

On Tuesday, Tridib Chatterjee, General Secretary of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, organisers of the fair, stated:

“Bangladesh did express interest in participating this year. However, we are unable to allow them to join.”

Sources at the Bangladesh Consulate in Kolkata confirmed that local officials had indeed shown interest in attending. According to Chatterjee, the current state of India–Bangladesh relations has prevented approval:

“Without a green light from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Guild cannot grant Bangladesh permission to participate. That green light has not arrived, so Bangladesh will be absent. Nevertheless, if any stall chooses to display Bangladeshi books, we have no objection.”

Interestingly, the United States, another regular participant, will also be missing from this year’s fair, reportedly due to budget allocation issues. On the other hand, Ukraine will make its debut, and China will return with its pavilion after a fifteen-year hiatus. This year’s theme country is Argentina.

In total, the 49th edition of the fair will feature exhibitors from 21 countries, alongside over a thousand publishers from India’s various states.

The fair is scheduled to open on 22 January 2026 at the permanent venue in Salt Lake, Kolkata, renowned as the largest non-commercial book fair in the world—where books are sold directly to the public rather than through commercial entities. In terms of visitor turnout, the Kolkata Book Fair consistently ranks among the largest globally. The fair will be inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Despite the absence of Bangladesh, the fair promises a vibrant mix of international and Indian literature, offering readers a unique cultural and literary experience, and reaffirming Kolkata’s status as a global hub for book lovers.