As the Amar Ekushey Book Fair approaches its final day, heavy rain and waterlogging left publishers struggling to save their stock, turning the usual festive atmosphere into one of frustration and financial concern.
A sudden downpour accompanied by strong winds on Friday evening caused widespread waterlogging across the Suhrawardy Udyan fairgrounds. By Saturday morning, mud and standing water had accumulated in front of many stalls, forcing stall owners to improvise to protect their books.
“Yesterday’s rain was completely unexpected,” said a sales representative at Chaman Prokash, busy drying wet books near the lake. “There was no one at the stall when it started, so many books were ruined before I could move them. It’s difficult to estimate the losses, but some books are no longer usable.”
While large publishers managed to salvage much of their stock, small and medium-sized stalls were hit hard. SM Jasim of Piyo Bangla reported that at least 100–120 books at his stall were completely destroyed. “We are returning the most soaked books to the publishing house, and about 50–60 partially wet books are drying out, but they’ll never be the same quality again,” he said.
Anwar Hossain of Ratri Prokashoni criticised the fair’s drainage system. “Visitor turnout had been low throughout the fair, and then this happened at the final stage. With no proper drainage, we had to remove water ourselves,” he said.
The day also marked the final children’s session of the fair, usually a highlight with energetic participation. This time, however, attendance was minimal due to mud and water in the fairgrounds. Many parents avoided bringing their children, and stall activity remained subdued during the morning and early afternoon.
By late afternoon, however, the sun helped dry the fairgrounds, drawing more visitors after Maghrib prayers. Stall owners saw some relief as readers gravitated toward sections selling novels, short stories, and contemporary essays. Despite this, publishers said the last-minute sales could not compensate for the losses suffered.
Contacted for comment about the drainage arrange at the fair ground, Bangla Academy Director General Dr Mohammad Azam said, “There is no place from the field to the lakeside where movement is being disrupted because of water.”
Water was drained mechanically from Friday night until 4am on Saturday, which helped significant improvement of the situation, he said.
Saturday’s schedule included a poetry recitation session at 11am, featuring around 30 poets and two recitation organisations: Jatiya Abritti Parishad, directed by Enamul Haque Jewel, and Shishunondon, directed by Md Robiul Alam Robi.
At 3pm, a discussion on “Birth Centenary: Muslim Sahitya Sangsad” was chaired by Professor Mohammad Azam, with keynote by Morshed Shafiul Hasan and participation from Mumtaz Jahan. The “Lekhok Bolchi” session featured poet Zakir Abu Zafar, fiction writer Shakir Sabur, essayist Rajib Sarkar, and researcher Khan Mahbub.
The 4pm cultural programme showcased performances by Alok Kumar Sen, Debika Rani Pal, Cynthia, and Sharmin Sultana, along with Bangladesh Udichi Shilpigoshthi Central Council and the Abdul Alim Foundation, directed by Zahir Alim.
Sunday, 15 March, marks the closing day of the fair, running from 2pm to 9pm. Professor Mohammad Azam will deliver the welcome speech at the closing ceremony. The fair’s report will be presented by Member Secretary Md Selim Reza. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury will be the chief guest, with State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam as special guest, and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivering the goodwill speech.
Awards to be presented include the Chittaranjan Saha Memorial Award, Munier Chowdhury Memorial Award, Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award, Sardar Jayenuddin Memorial Award, and Artist Qayyum Chowdhury Memorial Award. The ceremony will be chaired by Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque.
While publishers hope for better weather and a rush of last-minute visitors, the final hours of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will be remembered for both the resilience of book sellers and the challenges posed by unseasonal rain.
Photo: Jannatul Ferdaus/TIMES
