The 2026 Amar Ekushey Book Fair has begun on a subdued note, with a marked decline in the number of new titles published during its opening week compared with previous years.
According to data from the information centre of Bangla Academy, a total of 282 new books were submitted over six days between 26 February and 4 March. No figures were recorded for the opening day, as the information centre was not operational.
The daily breakdown shows 16 titles on the second day, 38 on the third, 42 on the fourth, 40 on the fifth, 65 on the sixth and 81 on the seventh. Although the numbers show a gradual rise towards the end of the week, the overall total remains significantly lower than in recent years.
During the corresponding six-day period in 2025, 540 new titles were recorded — nearly double this year’s count.
In 2024, the figure stood at 498, while in 2023 it was 528.
The broader annual trend also reflects fluctuation. A total of 3,730 books were published at the 2023 fair, rising slightly to 3,751 in 2024 before falling to 3,299 in 2025. This year’s early figures suggest the downward trajectory may continue unless publication numbers increase substantially in the coming days.
A closer look at daily comparisons underscores the scale of the decline. On the second day of the fair in 2026, 16 books were submitted, compared with 32 on the same day in 2025, 74 in 2024 and 21 in 2023. On the third day, 38 titles were recorded this year, against 47 in 2025, 66 in 2024 and 96 in 2023.
On the fourth day, 42 books were submitted, while the figures for the same day in previous years were 98 (2025), 70 (2024) and 113 (2023). The fifth day saw 40 titles this year, compared with 80, 108 and 73 respectively in the preceding three years.
Although the sixth and seventh days showed some recovery — 65 and 81 titles respectively — they still fell short of recent highs. For example, 168 books were recorded on the sixth day in 2025.
This year’s fair has unfolded under markedly different circumstances. Traditionally beginning on 1 February and continuing throughout the month, the event was inaugurated on 26 February and will run until 15 March, lasting only 18 days.
The delay followed the 12 February national election, political changes and the observance of Ramadan, which necessitated multiple revisions to the schedule.
Even before the fair opened, tensions had emerged between organisers and publishers. Thirty-one publishing houses initially announced their decision not to participate, calling for the fair to be held after Eid, for stall rents to be waived and for government support in stall construction.
After a series of meetings, the authorities agreed to waive stall rents in full, prompting publishers to reconsider. Nevertheless, participation has declined to 549 publishing houses this year, down from 708 last year.
Stall owners report that footfall during the first week has been modest, particularly during the afternoon heat and fasting hours of Ramadan. Visitor numbers tend to rise on Fridays and Saturdays, while weekday attendance remains comparatively low.
Many visitors who do attend during the day stay only briefly, although crowds increase somewhat after iftar.
Despite the challenges, organisers remain hopeful that attendance and publication numbers will improve in the coming days. The fair is open daily from 2pm to 9pm, with new titles accepted at the information centre until 4pm.
An initiative has also been introduced this year to make the fair ‘zero waste’, reflecting an effort to modernise and adapt amid a changing landscape.
