Despite various challenges, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 is set to begin on Thursday. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the fair at 2pm and present the Bangla Academy Literary Awards 2025 during the opening ceremony.
The theme of this year’s fair is “Multidimensional Bangladesh.” The event will run from February 26 to March 15. On regular days, the fair will be open from 2pm to 9pm, with entry closing at 8:30pm. During holidays, it will operate from 11am to 9pm.
According to Bangla Academy, both the Academy and participating organizations will sell books at a 25% commission, while government institutions will follow their own commission rates. Bangla Academy will have stalls in both sections of the fair to sell its publications.
549 publishers participating
A total of 549 publishing houses is participating this year — 81 at the Bangla Academy premises and 468 at the Suhrawardy Udyan section, with 1,018 units in total. The Little Magazine Corner has been set up under the trees near the open stage at Suhrawardy Udyan, with 87 little magazines allocated stalls.
‘Zero waste book fair’
This year’s fair aims to be environmentally conscious, branded as a “Zero Waste Book Fair.” The grounds will be polythene-free and smoke-free. Regular water spraying will control dust, and mosquito-control measures will be in place. All stalls, shops, stages, banners, leaflets, food outlets, and other installations are encouraged to use recyclable and eco-friendly materials such as jute, cloth, and paper.
Entry and exit
The layout is largely similar to last year, with minor adjustments. Due to the metro rail station location, the exit has been slightly shifted closer to the temple gate. There will be four entry and exit points — TSC, Doel intersection, MRT Batching Plant, and the Institution of Engineers area.
Food and prayer facilities
Food stalls are located along the boundary near the Institution of Engineers. Considering Ramadan, arrangements for Taraweeh prayers will be available at the Suhrawardy Udyan section, along with prayer spaces, washrooms, and other services.
Children’s zone
A children’s zone will be open every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, featuring 63 organizations and 107 units, allowing children to move freely.
Cultural programs
Seminars will be held daily from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm on the main stage, followed by cultural programs from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. As part of Ekushey observances, children’s drawing, recitation, and music competitions will take place. New book launches are also scheduled at Suhrawardy Udyan.
Security measures
Archways will be installed at entry and exit points, and extensive CCTV coverage will ensure security. Overall security will be handled by Bangladesh Police, RAB, Ansar, and intelligence agencies. Adequate lighting will be installed across the fairgrounds and surrounding areas, including routes from Doel Chattar to TSC, Shahbag, Matsya Bhaban, and the Institution of Engineers.
New awards
Several awards will be presented, including: Chittaranjan Saha Memorial Award for the best book among 2025 publications, Munier Chowdhury Memorial Award (three institutions) for best book design, Roknuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award for children’s books, and Qayyum Chowdhury Memorial Award for best stall design.
A new award, the Sardar Jainuddin Memorial Award, will recognize publishers who first participated in 2024 or 2025, based on the highest number of quality publications (first, second, and third prizes).
No pavilions this year
Although 350 publishers had requested postponing the fair until after Eid instead of during Ramadan, they are participating conditionally after discussions with Bangla Academy. As part of the agreement, no pavilions will be allowed this year. Publishers received their stalls between February 23–24 after a February 22 night decision, and stall decoration began immediately. Many were still preparing on Wednesday (February 25) and may continue on the opening day.