The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on 20 February and continue for 25 days, announced Mohammad Selim Reza, member secretary of the fair, on Thursday.
Selim Reza during a press conference at Bangla Academy explained that the book fair, held annually to honour the Language Martyrs, has become an integral part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, this year’s fair did not begin on 1 February as in previous years, but will instead start on 20 February.
A committee overseeing the fair has finalised the new date after several meetings.
In response to requests from publishers, Selim Reza confirmed that stall rents have been reduced by 25 percent compared to last year, although the overall costs for organising the fair have increased.
He added that preparations are on track, with an event management company selected, permission secured for Suhrawardy Udyan, and stall construction already underway.
The schedule for cultural events and discussion sessions has also been finalised, with invitations sent to potential speakers and presenters.
This year, 53 new institutions have applied to participate in the fair, in addition to the 527 institutions that participated last year. Due to space constraints, 24 new institutions were selected to join the event.
Furthermore, 56 institutions have requested larger stalls, and over 100 government and private organisations have applied for stall space.
Addressing a request from publishers to hold the fair after Eid, Selim Reza explained that, despite considering the request, holding the fair in April would not be practical due to concerns over extreme heat, dust storms, and rain. Therefore, the fair will start on 20 February as planned.
Bangla Academy’s Director-General, Professor Mohammad Azam, assured that the timing of the fair during Ramadan has been carefully considered, with arrangements made for Iftar, Taraweeh prayers, and other prayer times to accommodate attendees.
The book fair will be open daily from 2pm to 9pm, with extended hours from 10am to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
On 21 February, in observance of International Mother Language Day, the fair will open at 8am. The fair will run until 15 March.
