The much-anticipated Amar Ekushey Boimela (Book Fair) began at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Thursday in an unprepared state, with most stalls still under construction and a noticeably thin presence of visitors.
Traditionally held throughout February, commemorating the 1952 Language Movement, this year's fair, however, started on February 26. The fair was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday afternoon.
Despite the delayed inauguration, majority of the stalls remain incomplete, leaving the venue far from ready to welcome readers. The few readers, who attended the fair on the opening day, found it difficult to browse books comfortably.
A visit at around 4:00 pm revealed carpenters working hurriedly on unfinished structures, with several stalls still in the early stages of construction. Even those nearing completion were busy arranging books. Only a handful of stalls appeared fully prepared. Sand was being spread along walkways inside the fairgrounds, and constant hammering of construction work echoed throughout the venue.
Publishers attributed the unprepared state to delayed stall allocations, indecision by Bangla Academy, and lack of timely coordination.
This year's fair has also seen a notable drop in participation. Last year, 718 stalls took part, while the number has fallen to 549 in 2026, according to the Bangla Academy data. Of the 549 stalls, 81 are located on the Bangla Academy premises and 468 are at Suhrawardy Udyan.
The fair will remain open daily from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, except on holidays, with entry closed after 8:30 pm.
Arif Nazrul, publisher of Bangali Prokashani, said in the previous years, stalls were allocated at least ten days in advance. "This year, we received the allocation just two days before the fair began. It was impossible to complete preparations within such a short time."
He also expressed concern over the timing of the fair during the Ramadan. "We requested that the fair be held after the Eid-ul-Fitr. But it has been scheduled during the busy Ramadan period. Reader turnout is uncertain, and we fear financial losses," he added.
Ila Biswas, a writer and committee member of Bhinno Matra Prokashani's stall, remained optimistic. "We will complete our preparations very soon. Ramadan is associated with deep religious sentiment, and we must respect that. Although the fasting month is a busy time for many, we are hopeful about the fair," she said.
Md. Jasim Uddin, marketing supervisor of AloGhor Prokashana, said their preparations were nearly complete, but reader turnout remained low. "Once all the stalls are ready, attendance may increase. However, we do not expect the desired crowd during the Ramadan," he noted.
The organisers, meanwhile, assured that additional lighting, strengthened security measures, watchtowers, and other safety arrangements have been put in place.
Earlier, the authorities had announced that the 2026 fair would be held from December 17 to January 17. Following protests from publishers and writers, the decision was withdrawn. A subsequent plan to begin the fair on February 20 was also postponed, eventually leading to the February 26 inauguration.
The publishers' association 'Prokashok Oikya' had initially declared it would boycott the fair, citing a lack of transparency in stall and pavilion allocation as well as insufficient preparation time.
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