The Bangla Academy has written to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs requesting that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair be allowed to be held at Suhrawardy Udyan, reflecting public preference.
Director General Mohammad Azam on Wednesday expressed hope that a decision on the matter will be finalized within the next few days.
The request follows public backlash after several media reports highlighted concerns over the fair's location on Tuesday, which said the Amar Ekushey Book Fair will not be allowed at Suhrawardy Udyan.
On November 6, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works issued a letter to Bangla Academy, saying the 2025 book fair should be held solely on the academy premises instead of Suhrawardy Udyan.
A similar stance was taken last year, though the space at Suhrawardy Udyan was eventually granted in response to publishers’ demands.
The ministry had indicated that development plans for a cultural complex around the Udyan would prevent future allocations.
In response to questions about the book fair’s location, the Bangla Academy chief said: “The previous decision was not to hold it at Suhrawardy Udyan. However, the public prefers this location, and so do we. The ministry will make the final decision. We have already sent them a letter and hope to receive a decision within a day or two.”
