Dhaka: The Bangla Academy authorities have decided to reduce stall rent for the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 by 55 percent. This decision was announced during a meeting held with publishers at the Shaheed Munir Chowdhury conference room of the Bangla Academy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, who presided over the meeting. During the session, publishers addressed various demands concerning the current challenges faced by the publication industry. Farooki expressed agreement with most of these demands, including the need for a formal book policy, and encouraged publishers to submit a written proposal to the ministry.
Farooki further announced the government's decision to cut the stall rent for the upcoming book fair, which is scheduled to commence on February 20. The authorities have committed to returning any additional funds already deposited by publishers to the academy. Publishers who have not yet made their deposits can do so at the newly reduced rate.
The meeting was also attended by Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman, Director General of Bangla Academy Professor Mohammad Azam, the member-secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Steering Committee, and other committee members.