Amar Ekushey Book Fair begins on February 20

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will commence on February 20 this year, departing from the longstanding tradition of starting on February 1, the first day of the Language Month (Falgun).

Bangla Academy, the organiser, will host the month-long fair to honour the Language Movement heroes. 

Dr. Md Selim Reza, Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Managing Committee, announced this during a press conference at Bangla Academy on Thursday.

In a written statement, he emphasised that the book fair forms a vital part of Bengali cultural heritage. 

However, due to practical constraints, it could not begin on February 1 as in previous years. This year's fair will therefore open on February 20.

To support publishers, stall rent has been reduced by 25 percent this year, taking their demands into account. 

All preparations for the fair are now complete. 

Suhrawardy Udyan has been allocated by the government, with stall construction work currently underway. 

The schedules for discussions and cultural programmes have also been finalised.

Regarding stall allocations, Dr. Reza noted that 53 new entities applied this year, in addition to the 527 institutions from last year. 

However, due to limited space, stalls were allotted to all 527 returning participants and only 24 new entities.

He added that preparations had reached about 60 percent completion when some publishers requested postponing the fair until after Eid-ul-Fitr. 

However, this request came too late, and shifting the month-long event to April would be impractical due to extreme heat, dust pollution, and risks of rainfall, nor'westers, and cyclones.

Publishers have agreed to participate despite the challenges of holding the fair during Ramadan.

In response to a question, Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam stated that since the fair will span the holy month of Ramadan, arrangements include facilities for Taraweeh prayers and iftar food stalls. 

Adequate water supply will also be ensured at the venue, with all measures decided in consultation with publishers' representatives.