Amar Ekushey Book Fair to open Feb 26 with record publishers

Bangla Academy on Tuesday said this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair will begin on February 26 with stronger organisation, wider participation and enhanced security, despite facing several logistical challenges.

Bangla Academy Director General Dr Mohammad Azam shared the update at a press conference, saying the fair aims to be inclusive and accessible to people of all views. He added that additional security forces have been deployed to ensure a safe environment throughout the event.

Bangla Academy Secretary Dr Selim Reza, also the member secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee, said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the fair at 2:00pm. The theme of this year’s fair is “Multidimensional Bangladesh”.

According to organisers, a total of 549 publishing houses are taking part — the highest number so far. Of these, 81 will set up stalls inside the Bangla Academy premises, while 468 will be located at Suhrawardy Udyan, with a combined total of 1,018 stall units.

The Little Magazine Corner has been placed near the open stage at Suhrawardy Udyan, with space allocated to 87 little magazines. A centrally located Children’s Corner will host 63 institutions across 107 units to ensure safe movement for young visitors.

While the overall layout is similar to last year, the main exit has been shifted closer to the temple gate due to the metro rail station. Visitors will be able to enter and exit through four points, including TSC, Doel Chattar, the MRT base plant and the Engineering Institute area. Food stalls, prayer spaces, washrooms and other facilities have been arranged, with special arrangements for Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan.

Organisers said the official mobile app has been updated to help visitors easily locate stalls. Books will be sold at a 25 percent commission for Bangla Academy and participating publishers.

Daily seminars will be held from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, followed by cultural programmes. On Fridays and Saturdays, special activities for children and adolescents will take place in the morning.

Security will be provided by Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion, Bangladesh Ansar and intelligence agencies, supported by CCTV surveillance. The fair will be polythene- and smoke-free, with steps taken to ensure cleanliness, lighting and mosquito control.

Several literary and design awards will be presented, along with a new Sardar Joyenuddin Memorial Award for new publishers.

The fair will run until March 15. It will remain open from 2:00pm to 9:00pm on regular days and from 11:00am to 9:00pm on holidays, with entry closing at 8:30pm.