Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 24, 2026 (BSS) - The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026, the country's largest annual literary event, will begin on Thursday.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the fair at 2pm at the Bangla Academy premises, where he will also hand over the prestigious Bangla Academy Awards to the recipients. 

Centered on the theme "Multidimensional Bangladesh," this year’s fair reflects a more streamlined logistical approach compared to previous editions.

Speaking at a press conference held today at the Bangla Academy, Member Secretary of the Book Fair Organizing Committee Selim Reza informed that a total of 549 stalls have been allocated for the fair. 

The spatial distribution includes 81 stalls situated within the Bangla Academy compound and 468 stalls placed across the sprawling Suhrawardy Udyan. Within the Udyan, specialized zones have been designated to promote diverse literary interests, including the "Little Mag Corner" featuring 87 stalls near the open stage, and a Children's Corner comprising 63 stalls located in the center of the grounds.

During the press conference, Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam expressed optimism, stating that the majority of stalls are expected to be fully prepared by February 26.

Addressing the compressed timeline and the fair's overlap with the holy month of Ramadan, Professor Azam clarified that the scheduling delays were primarily due to the Ministry of Home Affairs withholding necessary permissions for the event until after the recent elections. 

Despite concerns raised by some publishers regarding the Ramadan period, the Director General maintained a firm stance, noting that the schedule cannot be altered. 

He further emphasized that the financial incentives and fee waivers are temporary measures that will not be extended to future editions.

According to the operational guidelines, the fair will be open to the public from 2pm to 9pm on weekdays, with entry closing at 8:30pm. On holidays, the fair will open earlier at 11am and remain open until 9pm. 

The "Shishu Prahar" (Children’s Hours) will be observed every Friday and Saturday from 11am to 1pm, while daily cultural programmes are scheduled from 4pm to 5pm.

To ensure a disciplined and safe environment, the fair will maintain a strictly plastic-free and smoking-free policy. Books will be sold at a mandatory 25 percent discount across all stalls. 

Security measures have been significantly bolstered, with four designated entry points, the installation of watchtowers, and enhanced lighting on the roads surrounding Suhrawardy Udyan. 

Special provisions have also been integrated for the month of Ramadan, including designated arrangements for Tarabi prayers and heightened security protocols throughout the fair premises.