A collective of 321 creative publishers has issued a joint statement calling for the “Amar Ekushey Boimela 2026” to be held after Eid-ul-Fitr, rather than the announced date of 20 February.
Describing the Bangla Academy’s decision as “divorced from reality” and “suicidal,” the publishers warned that proceeding with the current schedule would push the publishing industry into a state of profound uncertainty.
In the statement released on Sunday, the publishers emphasised that the book fair is not merely a routine government or bureaucratic formality, but a vital gathering for authors, publishers, and readers.
They argued that the decision to hold the fair immediately following a national election and during the month of Ramadan would defeat the event’s primary purpose.
Industry leaders demand a rethink
The demand for a rescheduled fair has been backed by several of the country’s most prominent publishing houses.
Among the 321 signatories are Monirul Haque of Ananya, Mazharul Islam of Anyaprokash, Milan Kanti Nath of Anupam Prokashani, and Farid Ahmed of Somoy Prokashan.
Other notable figures who signed the declaration include AKM Nasir Ahmed of Kakoli Prokashani, Kamrul Hasan Shayok of Panjeree Publications Ltd, Osman Gani of Agamee Prakashani, and Sikder Abul Bashar of Gatidhara.
The publishers raised significant concerns regarding the impact of the holy month of Ramadan, which is set to begin just days after the proposed February 20 opening.
They cautioned that intense heat and traffic congestion during the fasting month would likely result in a “readerless” fair, a situation they described as embarrassing for both organisers and participants.
They noted that expecting university students, who typically staff the stalls, to work after a day of fasting and prayers would be inhumane.
Economic risks and bureaucratic frustration
The publishing sector has been navigating a severe economic slump for the past year and a half. The publishers asserted that they cannot afford to risk their remaining capital on another potentially unsuccessful fair, which they equated to “certain business death.”
While the Bangla Academy has pointed to the risk of rain and storms in April as a reason for the February date, the publishers countered that they are willing to accept the risks of natural disasters over the guaranteed failure of a Ramadan-period fair.
The collective expressed deep frustration with the government’s policymakers, claiming they have failed to grasp the existential crisis facing the industry.
They alleged that the authorities have ignored the opinions of stakeholders, suggesting that the publishing sector is not a priority for the current administration.
The statement criticised “bureaucratic decisions” made in air-conditioned environments, which they believe are leading to the destruction of a creative industry.
A unified pledge for cooperation
Despite their protest, the publishers clarified that they are not against the book fair itself and are prepared to offer their full cooperation to make the event a success.
They revealed that they had previously sought the intervention of the Cultural Affairs Adviser and the Honourable Chief Adviser, hoping that the government would value the input of industry participants.
In a formal commitment, the 321 signatories pledged that while it is impossible for them to participate in a February fair due to the business and humanitarian risks, they will participate spontaneously if the fair is rescheduled for after Eid-ul-Fitr.
They urged the Bangla Academy and the government to abandon their current stance and hold the fair when the public is in a festive mood and ready to purchase books.
