Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 to begin on Feb 20

Bangla Academy has confirmed that Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, dismissing any possibility of postponement despite calls from some publishers to hold it after Eid.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Selim Reza, Member Secretary of the fair’s organising committee, said, “By the time such requests were made, nearly 60 percent of preparations were already complete. Hosting the fair in April, during extreme heat, dust and nor’westers, would not be practical.”

Preparations are largely complete, with Suhrawardy Udyan allocated as the venue, stall construction underway, cultural programmes and discussions scheduled, and invitations sent to contributors.

This year, 580 institutions applied for stalls, including 527 returning publishers and 53 newcomers, though space constraints mean only 24 new applicants could be accommodated alongside all returning publishers.

The month-long fair will run daily from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Special iftar arrangements will be provided for visitors and participants, as the fair coincides with Ramadan.

Amar Ekushey Book Fair remains a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s literary and cultural calendar, celebrating the Language Movement and the nation’s publishing industry.

AM