Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday proposed to transform the Amar Ekushey Book Fair into an international event in the coming years, reaffirming his government’s commitment to secure United Nation's recognition of Bangla as an official language.
Speaking at the inauguration of Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 at Bangla Academy, he suggested that the event could eventually be renamed “Amar Ekushey International Book Fair.”
An international edition, he said, would introduce local readers to world literature while encouraging greater understanding of multiple languages and cultures.
“In today’s global village, it is essential to be familiar not only with our mother tongue but also with several other languages,” the prime minister said.
Emphasising the need to build a knowledge- and talent-based society, Tarique said Bangladesh must advance through education, science, technology and skills development. He added that efforts to secure UN recognition for Bangla would continue alongside these initiatives.
Highlighting the fair’s unique identity, he noted that while book fairs are organised in many countries, Amar Ekushey Book Fair symbolises the historic achievement of language rights and the establishment of Bangla as the state language.
Although the fair has grown in size and scale over the years, the prime minister urged reflection on whether research-based publications are increasing at the same pace and whether citizens’ reading habits are developing accordingly.
He formally inaugurated the fair around 3:12 pm and later visited several stalls, purchasing a number of books. Organised by Bangla Academy, the country’s largest literary gathering is being held on the academy premises and the adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan.
The fair will continue until 15 March under the theme “Multidimensional Bangladesh.” It will remain open from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm on regular days, with entry closing at 8:30 PM, and from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on holidays.
During the opening ceremony, the prime minister presented the Bangla Academy Literary Awards 2026 to nine distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions to Bangla literature in poetry, fiction, essays, children’s literature, translation, research, science and Liberation War studies.
This year’s fair began at the end of February instead of 1 February due to the national election held on 12 February.
The programme started at 2:00 PM with the national anthem and recitations from religious scriptures. A one-minute silence was observed in tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement, the Liberation War and the July mass uprising.
The event was chaired by Bangla Academy Chairman Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman and Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam were among those who addressed the ceremony.
The prime minister’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, were also present, alongside cabinet members, lawmakers, writers, publishers and senior civil and military officials.
Organisers said the 2026 edition aims to be a “zero-waste” and environmentally conscious celebration of the country’s largest literary festival.
SH
