Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. File photo

DHAKA, Feb 26, 2026 (BSS) - Cultural Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said the 'Amar Ekushey Boi Mela' is not merely a marketplace for books but an integral part of the nation's tradition. 

"The book fair is not merely a venue for selling books; it is a part of our heritage," he told the inaugural ceremony of Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 today at the Bangla Academy premises. 

Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, the country's largest annual month-long literary event, began today embodying the spirit of the Language Movement and the rich cultural heritage of the Bengali nation, with this year's theme set as "Multidimensional Bangladesh."

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 as the chief guest. On the occasion, he also handed over the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 among the recipients. 

Referring to the 1952 Language Movement, the Cultural Minister said it taught the nation that language is its life, identity and expression of freedom, and that the book fair originated from that very spirit.

The minister urged people not to drift away from books in this era of rapid technological advancement, describing books as the beacon of knowledge that plays a vital role in the intellectual and human development of a nation. 

He added that the newly formed government is working to expand literary and cultural practices, encourage new writers, strengthen research and translation activities, and ensure a strong digital presence of the Bangla language.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam also addressed the programme, chaired by Bangla Academy President Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Huq.

The function began with recitations from the Holy Quran, the Gita, the Bible and the Tripitaka. After the national anthem, the audience joined in chorus to sing the immortal Ekushey song "Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February."

Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam said the institution is inseparably linked with the sacrifice of the language martyrs. Remembering the martyrs of the great Liberation War and various mass movements, he said this year's theme was chosen in light of a democratic and inclusive cultural ethos of a new Bangladesh.

Mohammad Azam said the fair was organised with the firm commitment of the government, initiatives of the ministry and cooperation of publishers, expressing hope that the fair would offer a new experience amid the atmosphere of the Ramadan and the Eid.

President of Bangladesh Pustak Prokashok O Bikreta Samity Md Rezaul Karim Badsha and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman also spoke the inaugural session.

After the inauguration, the Prime Minister visited different stalls and later the fair was opened to visitors.

The fair will continue until March 15. On working days (except holidays), it will remain open from 2:00pm to 9:00pm, with entry closed after 8:30pm. On holidays, it will run from 11:00am to 9:00pm.

According to Bangla Academy sources, a total of 549 publishing houses are participating this year-81 at the Bangla Academy premises and 468 at the Suhrawardy Udyan venue-accommodating 1,018 units. Last year, 708 institutions participated with 1,084 units.

The fair is being organised as an environment-friendly "zero waste" event. Measures have been taken to ensure a polythene-free and smoke-free environment, along with cleanliness, dust control and mosquito control. Reusable materials such as jute, cloth and paper have been prioritised in stall construction.

A Little Magazine Corner has been set up near the open stage area at Suhrawardy Udyan, with 87 little magazines allotted stalls. In the Children's Corner, 63 institutions are participating with 107 units. "Shishu Prohor" will be observed every Friday and Saturday from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

Seminars will be held daily from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, followed by cultural programmes from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Competitions in drawing, recitation and music for children and adolescents have also been arranged.

Adequate CCTV cameras have been installed to ensure security, with overall security being maintained by Bangladesh Police, RAB, Ansar and various intelligence agencies.

Awards including the Chittaranjan Saha Memorial Award, Munier Chowdhury Memorial Award, Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award and Qayyum Chowdhury Memorial Award will be presented for best publications and aesthetic stall decoration.

A new award titled the 'Sardar Joyenuddin Memorial Award' has been introduced this year to recognise quality publications among newly participating publishing houses.