The concerns raised by major mainstream publishers over the timing of this year’s Ekushey Book Fair, scheduled to begin on February 20, deserve careful consideration. This is more so given the convergence of significant national events in quick succession—the parliamentary election held on February 12, the impending formation of the new government, and the start of Ramadan this week.
Last year, in September, Bangla Academy decided that the month-long event would begin on December 17, 2025. The director general of the academy then cited election preparation, Ramadan, Eid holidays, and April storms as reasons to justify the fair’s preponement. A week later, however, the academy issued a notice mentioning that the fair would be held after the election, citing a decision by the home ministry. Then, on December 17, 2025, the academy decided that the fair would run from February 20 to March 15. These frequent date changes by the academy raise the question of whether all the stakeholders, including the publishers, were duly consulted during decision-making.
Against this backdrop, more than 300 publishers recently threatened to boycott the fair—the largest literary event in the country—citing fears of economic losses. Some have also written an open letter to BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, urging Bangla Academy to reconsider the fair dates, preferably rescheduling it to after Eid ul Fitr. While we acknowledge the historical sentiment and cultural significance of holding or starting the Ekushey Book Fair in the month of February, the practicalities of rescheduling the event should also be considered.
The demand for books is likely to be limited during Ramadan. Besides, many who work and volunteer at the fair—mostly students—may choose to return home during the Ramadan and Eid holidays. Furthermore, visitor numbers might also be affected, both during the day and in the evening, given it collides with iftar and special prayers hours.
Although the Ekushey Book Fair has its ties to February, commemorating the historic Language Movement, there are precedents of the fair taking place later than February. Therefore, at a time when publications are incurring losses all year, with some reporting as big as almost a 60 percent drop in sales, measures should be taken to make the fair profitable and a success for all the stakeholders.
Therefore, we call upon the authorities to be open to renegotiating the fair dates with the publishers, all while acknowledging the logistical challenges that might follow. After all, the spirit of Ekushey Book Fair exists in the heart of all those who participate in it, having its core in its commitment to language and literature, not in rigid adherence to a particular date on the calendar.
