After weeks of uncertainty and a last-minute change of schedule, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 is set to begin today, with organisers racing to complete preparations amid Ramadan and heightened security arrangements.
The month-long fair, themed “Multidimensional Bangladesh”, will run until 15 March across the Bangla Academy premises and Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.
A visit to the fairgrounds on the eve of inauguration showed a mixed picture: while some publishers had completed final touches to their stalls, construction work was still under way at many others.
Shamim, a construction worker, said it might take until 30 February for all stalls to be fully ready. “The fair is about to start, so we are trying to finish as quickly as possible,” he said.
Publishers, however, remain cautiously optimistic.
Royal, proprietor of Royal Publication, said starting the fair during Ramadan brings uncertainty over sales. “Everything now depends on reader turnout,” he said, adding that staff shortages during the fasting month and ahead of Eid have added pressure to preparations.
Some workers are expected to leave for their hometowns before Eid, he noted, though his own stall is ready on schedule.
Visitors, too, are weighing the impact of Ramadan. Dhaka University student Shengmi Chambugong Madhuri said daytime heat and fasting may discourage prolonged visits. “Many people may find it difficult to stay long at the fair,” she said, though she plans to attend with friends and hopes for a strong collection of new titles.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is expected to inaugurate the fair, marking his first major official function in office. The Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 will also be conferred at the opening ceremony.
Organisers say the fair is being designed as a “zero-waste book fair”, with efforts to ensure a polythene-free and smoke-free environment. Publishers have been encouraged to use eco-friendly materials such as jute, cloth and paper in stall construction.
Measures will also be taken to control dust, maintain cleanliness and manage mosquito control.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has deployed extensive security measures for the fair. Speaking at a press briefing at Suhrawardy Udyan on Wednesday, Additional Police Commissioner (Admin) Md Sarwar said operations would be monitored 24/7 from an on-site control room.
Visitors will be screened through metal detectors, archways and manual checks, while nearly 300 CCTV cameras and regular dog squad sweeps will ensure continuous surveillance.
Special teams will prevent hawking, snatching and pickpocketing, with separate arrangements for women and children, including a lost-and-found centre, breastfeeding corner, helpdesk and child care facility.
Detective Branch, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime units, bomb disposal teams and SWAT will remain on standby. Fire tenders, ambulances and first aid services will also be available.
Traffic diversions will be enforced around TSC, Doel Chattar and Hakim Chattar, with parking designated at Suhrawardy Udyan, Mohsin Hall ground, Central Shaheed Minar premises, Fuller Road and the Gymnasium ground. Heavy vehicles will be barred from the university area during the fair.
