The fate of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 hangs in the balance as a standoff between the Bangla Academy and leading publishers threatens to derail the country's most cherished literary event.
Despite the Academy's announcement that the fair will open on February 20, major publishers have reacted angrily, calling the decision "suicidal", "undemocratic" and "unrealistic". With boycott threats growing, doubts loom over whether the fair can proceed meaningfully on the scheduled date.
The Bangla Academy on Thursday reiterated that there is no plan to postpone the fair, even though it will coincide entirely with Ramadan. Authorities said arrangements would be made on the premises for iftar, prayers and taraweeh.
Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam and Fair Member Secretary Dr Md Selim Reza rejected publishers' demands to defer the fair until after Eid-ul-Fitr.
Dr Selim Reza said the Amar Ekushey Book Fair-held annually in remembrance of the Language Martyrs-is inseparable from Bangladesh's cultural heritage. He explained that the fair could not begin on February 1 this year due to unavoidable circumstances and was rescheduled for February 20 with unanimous approval of the Fair Management Committee.
To ease the burden on publishers, stall rents have been reduced by 25 per cent, despite sharply rising organisational costs.
The Academy claims preparations are nearly 60 per cent complete: the event management firm has been appointed, Suhrawardy Udyan allocated, stall construction is underway and cultural programmes finalised.
According to the Academy, 527 institutions that participated last year applied again, along with 53 new applicants. Due to space constraints, 24 new institutions were selected alongside returning participants. More than 100 government and private organisations also sought stalls. The dispute escalated when prominent publishers urged the government to reschedule the fair for after Eid. The Academy rejected the proposal, arguing that April heat, dust pollution and Kalbaisakhi storms would make a month-long outdoor fair impractical.
Publishers, however, remain defiant. They allege the decision was taken without meaningful consultation and ignores the severe crisis facing the publishing industry. Holding the fair during Ramadan, they warned, would turn it into a "ghost fair"-a ritual without readers.
They raised three core objections: a February 20 start during fasting would deter visitors; forcing student workers to labour while fasting is "inhumane"; and soaring production costs would make participation financially ruinous.
"Who will take responsibility for this 'certain death' during Ramadan?" publishers asked.
Written objections have been submitted by publishers of 32 pavilions and 152 stalls, while 262 publishers formally petitioned for postponement.
Monirul Haque of Ananya Publishing said the fair has fallen victim to short-sighted policymaking. Writer-publisher Mazharul Islam suggested the Academy may be acting under Culture Ministry directives, expressing hope that the incoming government will adopt a more pragmatic stance.
At stake, publishers argue, is not just a schedule but the spirit of the mela itself-meaning to meet and gather. Ramadan, they say, risks hollowing out that essence.
The industry is already reeling from post-pandemic losses, with sales reportedly down nearly 60 per cent, forcing many publishing houses to shut. For those still standing, a month-long Ramadan fair would amount to "economic suicide".
At a press conference, publishers placed four demands: a February 9 announcement confirming a post-Eid fair; waiver of stall rents and government-funded structures; book allowances for students; and reform of state book procurement policies.
The Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association also pointed to the February 12 national elections, arguing that the next government should decide the fair's fate after Eid.
Despite the Academy's selection of 527 institutions, major publishers remain unmoved, warning that the fair risks becoming a diminished and tarnished event.
Mahbub Rahman of Adarsha Prakashani said memoranda have been submitted to both the Cultural Adviser and the Chief Adviser.
Asked what would happen if publishers refuse to participate, Dr Selim Reza said, "I hope they will join. We will wait until February 9. After that, a decision will be taken."
