A significant number of well-known mainstream publishers have opted out of participating in the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the largest book fair in the country. Their decision is driven by concerns over potential financial losses due to the current post-election scenario and the fair coinciding with the upcoming month of Ramadan.
Typically, leading publishers are assigned pavilions at the fair, while others receive stalls. This year, out of the 37 publishers designated pavilions, 36 have chosen not to take part and have requested a rescheduling of the fair to a date after Eid-ul-Fitr. Notable publishers such as UPL, Mawla Brothers, Ananya Prokashoni, and Onno Prokash fall among those abstaining.
In a joint statement released on February 8, a group of 321 publishers urged for the fair’s inauguration to be postponed until after Eid-ul-Fitr. Recently, 14 publishers addressed an open letter to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman reiterating the same plea.
Bangla Academy extended the payment deadline for confirming stall and pavilion allocations from February 9 to February 11. However, there are reports indicating that numerous publishers have yet to make their payments.
Publishers interviewed by The Daily Star shared their apprehension regarding potential instability following the national election. Monirul Hoque from Ananya Prokashoni highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the post-election situation.
With Ramadan set to commence on February 17, publishers are concerned that attendance at the fair may be affected as individuals will be engaged in iftar, Taraweeh prayers, and other religious activities. Mazharul Islam of Onno Prokash expressed the anticipation of low turnout during Ramadan.
Moreover, the presence of students, who form a significant portion of the fair’s attendees and often work part-time at stalls, is expected to decrease as educational institutions typically close in the weeks leading up to Eid.
Concerns were raised about how stall staff would manage work while fasting during Ramadan. If the tradition of holding the Ekushey Book Fair in February continues, the next three editions of the fair will also coincide with Ramadan.
Publisher Md Mahabubur Rahman of Adarsha Prakashani noted that approximately 280 stall-holding publishers have announced their decision to abstain from the fair, citing financial concerns. He criticized the alleged allocation of pavilions beyond regulations to sustain the fair without mainstream publishers.
Mahabubur mentioned that publishers have submitted memorandums and letters to various authorities, requesting rescheduling. Some publishers, speaking anonymously, claimed that new publishers were granted pavilions and stalls without proper authorization and in violation of seniority rules, potentially leading to future disputes.
In response to the accusations, Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azom clarified that stall and pavilion allocations are reviewed annually based on set criteria among applicants. He emphasized that there is no flexibility to alter the scheduled date, as preparations were already in progress when the request for rescheduling was made.
Azom stated that necessary government approvals had been secured, and substantial expenses had been incurred for the fair. He refuted claims of an arbitrary selection of the date, asserting that it was decided in consultation with publishers and unanimously approved by the book fair committee.
Earlier, there was a plan announced by Bangla Academy to commence the 2026 Ekushey Book Fair in December of the previous year, considering the election and Ramadan factors, but this decision was later reversed.