Dhaka: Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026, the nation's largest annual literary gathering, is poised to commence tomorrow, featuring the theme 'Multidimensional Bangladesh.' Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will preside over the inauguration as the chief guest and will distribute the prestigious Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 to this year's laureates.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, preparations for the month-long event at the Bangla Academy premises and Suhrawardy Udyan are almost finalized. The event will also see the presence of Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Nawaz Mahmud Khayyam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman, Director General of Bangla Academy Professor Mohammad Azam, and Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association President Md. Rezaul Karim Badsha. The fair will be chaired by Bangla Academy President Professor Abul Quasem Fazlul Huq.
The fair will operate daily from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm until March 15, with extended hours on holidays from 11:00 am. Bangla Academy and participating publishers will offer a 25 percent discount on books, while government institutions will adhere to their fixed rates. This year, 549 publishing houses are participating, with 81 located at the Bangla Academy premises and 468 in the Suhrawardy Udyan section, totaling 1,018 units.
In an environmentally conscious move, the organizers aim to create a 'Zero Waste Book Fair' by prohibiting polythene and smoking, ensuring cleanliness, and encouraging the use of sustainable materials. The layout will remain similar to last year's with minor adjustments due to the metro rail station's location. Entry and exit will be facilitated through four points, and additional amenities such as prayer spaces and reorganized food stalls are in place to accommodate visitors.
The fair will include a Children's Corner, a Little Magazine Corner, and daily seminars and cultural programs. Security measures include the installation of CCTV cameras, with Bangladesh Police, RAB, Ansar, and intelligence agencies providing comprehensive coverage. Various awards will be presented to honor outstanding contributions in book publishing and design.