Staff Reporter:
Bangla Academy authority on Tuesday assured that this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair will be held in a more organised, inclusive and secure manner from February 26, despite various challenges, with the participation of the highest number of publishers.
Director General Dr Mohammad Azam made the remarks at a press conference outlining last-minute preparations for the fair.
Dr Selim Reza, Secretary of Bangla Academy and Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee, presented a detailed report on the preparations.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the fair as chief guest at 2pm. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Multidimensional Bangladesh’.
Emphasising inclusivity, Dr Mohammad Azam said the fair would be ‘a place for all opinions and peo-ple’. “Additional security forces have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents, as we believe in an inclusive book fair.”
Regarding stall construction, he said publishers had assured him that work would be completed on time with extra effort.
Stalls and Participation
A total of 549 publishing houses are participating this year. Of them, 81 will be located on the Bangla Academy premises and 468 at Suhrawardy Udyan, with a combined total of 1,018 units.
The Little Magazine Corner has been set up near the open stage area of Suhrawardy Udyan, where 87 little magazines have been allocated stalls.
The Children’s Corner, featuring 63 institutions with 107 units, has been placed at the centre of Suhrawardy Udyan to ensure easy access and safe movement for children.
