Amar Ekushey Book Fair to Open Feb 20
DHAKA – In the heart of Dhaka, the scent of fresh ink and the rustle of turning pages are as much a part of February as the blooming Shimul flowers. But this year, the nation’s most beloved literary pilgrimage, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, is asking its devotees for a little more patience.
Breaking with the long-standing tradition of a February 1st kickoff, the month-long celebration of Bangalee intellect and heritage is now set to begin on February 20. While the delay has stirred ripples in the literary community, the organisers at Bangla Academy promise that the spirit of the language martyrs will be honoured with more fervour than ever.
Tradition Meets Reality
At a press conference held today, Dr Md Selim Reza, Member Secretary of the Fair’s Managing Committee, addressed the shift in schedule. “Due to unavoidable realities, it was not possible to start on the first of the month,” Reza explained in a written statement. Despite the delay, the fair remains an “essential part of Bangalee cultural heritage”, bridging the gap between historical sacrifice and modern expression.
Logistics are already underway at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan. With the government officially allocating the space, the skeleton of what will soon be a sprawling city of books is rising from the ground.
“Taking publishers’ demands into consideration, the stall rent has been reduced by 25 per cent this year… all arrangements related to the book fair have already been completed.”
Dr Md Selim Reza, Member Secretary, Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026
Balancing Faith and Fiction
The 2026 edition faces a unique overlap with the holy month of Ramadan. Addressing concerns about the heat and the logistical challenges of fasting, Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam assured the public that the venue would be fully equipped.
- Spiritual Provisions: Dedicated areas for Taraweeh prayers will be established.
- Iftar Logistics: Specialised food stalls will offer Iftar items for visitors and stallholders.
- Hydration: An expanded water supply network will be active across the grounds to combat the rising temperatures.
The Numbers: A Growing Chapter
The demand for space remains at an all-time high. This year, 53 new entities vied for a spot alongside the 527 veterans from last year. Due to space constraints, the committee has been selective:
- 527 returning institutions have been allocated stalls.
- 24 new publishing houses will make their debut.
While some publishers suggested moving the fair until after Eid al-Fitr, the Academy stood firm. “Scheduling in April is not realistic,” Reza noted, citing the looming threats of dust pollution, heatwaves, and the unpredictable Kalboishakhi (nor’wester) storms.
Editor’s Note
The Amar Ekushey Book Fair is more than a marketplace; it is the heartbeat of our cultural identity. While the later start date is a departure from tradition, it offers a unique opportunity to witness the intersection of our literary passion and our spiritual commitments during Ramadan. Cinebuzz Times encourages all readers to support our local publishers as they navigate this challenging but exciting season.