The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 26 in memory of the Language Movement martyrs, organisers announced at a press conference on Tuesday outlining final preparations. This year’s theme has been set as “Multidimensional Bangladesh.”
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the month-long fair at 2:00 pm on the opening day and will confer the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 at the ceremony.
At the press conference, Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of the Bangla Academy, exchanged views with journalists on various aspects of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026.
Also present were Dr Md Selim Reza, Secretary of Bangla Academy and Member-Secretary of Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026; GM Mizanur Rahman, Director (Acting) of the Public Relations, Information Technology and Training Department; Dr Sarkar Amin, Convener of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Management Committee; Abul Kashem, Managing Director of Bortoman Bangla Limited; and Yasin Sharif, Communication Manager of Bortoman Bangla Limited.
Organisers expressed optimism that the fair will continue to promote a knowledge-based, humane and inclusive democratic society.
A total of 549 publishing houses are participating this year, including 81 at the premises and 468 at the Suhrawardy Udyan, with 1,018 units allocated in total. Last year, 708 institutions participated with 1,084 units.
The Little Magazine Corner will accommodate 87 little magazines near the open stage at Suhrawardy Udyan. The Children’s Corner will feature 63 institutions across 107 units.
While the overall layout remains largely unchanged, the exit gate has been shifted near the temple gate due to the metro rail station’s positioning. Four entry and exit points will operate through TSC, Doel Chattar, MRT Base Plant and the Engineering Institution areas.
Food stalls have been reorganised along the Engineering Institution boundary, with improved arrangements. Prayer spaces, washrooms and other visitor services will remain available. Special arrangements for Taraweeh prayers will be made at the Suhrawardy Udyan section during Ramadan.
Publishers, including Bangla Academy, will offer books at a 25 percent commission, while government institutions will follow their fixed rates. Bangla Academy publications will be available at stalls in both sections.
Daily seminars will be held from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by cultural programmes until 5:00 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, “Children’s Hour” will run from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, featuring drawing, recitation and music competitions. Facilities for book unveiling ceremonies will also be available.
Law enforcement agencies including police, RAB and Ansar will ensure security, supported by CCTV surveillance and adequate lighting across surrounding areas. The fair will remain polythene-free and smoke-free, with regular cleaning, dust control and mosquito prevention measures in place.
The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will run until March 15. On working days, it will remain open from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on holidays from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, with entry closing at 8:30 pm. Organisers have also declared the event a “Zero Waste Book Fair,” encouraging the use of eco-friendly materials.
