Ekushey Book Fair to begin on Feb 20

Bangla Academy on Thursday reiterated that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, ruling out the possibility of postponing the country's largest literary event, reports UNB.

The decision was announced at an emergency press conference organised by the Bangla Academy.

Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee Selim Reza said the Academy had taken note of differing opinions and proposals regarding the fair's schedule, including requests from a section of publishers to hold the fair after Eid.

"By the time such requests were made, nearly 60 per cent of the preparations had already been completed."

Reza explained that organising a month-long book fair after Eid would push the schedule into April, a period marked by extreme heat, dust, frequent storms and the risk of Kalbaishakhi nor'westers and rainfall.

He said unavoidable circumstances had made it impossible to inaugurate the fair on February 1 this year, as done traditionally. As a result, the fair will commence on February 20, following a unanimous decision by the organising committee, which has already held several meetings.