Marking the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair, private broadcaster ATN Bangla has resumed its special literary talk show “Kobi Bari”, featuring conversations with prominent figures from Bangladesh’s cultural and creative sectors.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair — the country’s largest annual literary gathering organised by Bangla Academy — traditionally begins on February 1 and runs throughout the month, often extending into early March. However, the 2026 edition was rescheduled to begin on February 26 due to the 13th national elections, after earlier proposed dates in late February were revised. The fair finally opened on Thursday.

Presented and conceptualised by poet and media personality Asad Kajol, the programme has been broadcast during the book fair period in recent years, according to organisers. This year’s edition is scheduled to air daily until March 15.

The opening episode features Rabindra Sangeet singer Ferdous Ara, who speaks about the cultural significance of Ekushey and the enduring relationship between music, language and literature in Bangladesh.

The episode is set to air today (Friday) at 2 pm, with subsequent episodes broadcast daily at the same time on ATN News during the fair.

According to programme organisers, “Kobi Bari” regularly hosts poets, writers, filmmakers, actors, musicians and public intellectuals, creating a platform for discussion on literature and contemporary culture.

Previous guests have included actor Sohel Rana, actor and road-safety campaigner Ilias Kanchan, novelist Imdadul Haq Milan, writer Anisul Hoque, novelist Selina Hossain, late academic Syed Manzoorul Islam and actor Dilara Zaman, among others.

Speaking about the programme, Kajol described it as a long-planned initiative shaped through sustained effort. “It is a dream project for me. With diverse topics and a wide range of guests, the show has gradually built audience engagement,” he said.