The curtain fell on the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 on Sunday, with organisers describing the month-long event as a successful celebration of books, knowledge and cultural engagement.
The fair remained open from 2pm to 9pm on the closing day, during which 236 new titles were submitted to the fair’s information centre. In total, 2,007 new books were published during the period from February 26 to March 15.
The closing ceremony began at 3pm with a welcome speech by Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam. The fair report was presented by member-secretary of the fair management committee Md Selim Reza.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Mofidur Rahman delivered a goodwill message, while Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhur attended the programme as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Bangla Academy President Abul Kasem Fazlul Haq.
Speaking at the programme, Mohammad Azam said the fair was made successful through the sincere cooperation of writers, readers and publishers, expressing hope that future editions of the fair would inspire new expectations.
Presenting the report, Selim Reza said books from Bangla Academy and other institutions were sold at a 25 percent commission during the fair. Bangla Academy sold books worth Tk 1,704,629 over the first 17 days of the event until March 14.
A total of 584 institutions participated in the fair, including 570 publishing houses and 14 media and healthcare organisations. According to sales data received from 269 publishers, their combined book sales reached Tk 8 crore in 17 days. Based on this average, the estimated total sales of the 570 publishers stood at around Tk 17 crore.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Mofidur Rahman said this year’s fair was cleaner than previous editions and witnessed the presence of more genuine readers. He also stressed the need for more quality children’s books and engaging activities for young readers in future fairs.
Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said the government aims to build an inclusive and knowledge-based society where unity can be achieved amid diversity. “There is no alternative to books in building an enlightened nation,” he said, adding that efforts must be taken to expand libraries and knowledge centres in districts and upazilas across the country.
Bangla Academy President Abul Kasem Fazlul Haq said a quality book is one that awakens the conscience of readers and inspires a sense of justice, contributing to state-building and progressive thinking. He added that the future of a nation largely depends on its reading culture.
Awards announced
Bangla Academy also announced several memorial awards marking the fair. The Chittaranjan Saha Memorial Award 2026 was given to Kathaprakash for publishing the highest number of quality books in 2025 while the Munier Chowdhury Memorial Award 2026 went to Oitijjhya, Prothoma Prokashon, and University Press Limited for outstanding publications.
The Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award 2026 was awarded to Panjeree Publications Ltd for publishing the highest number of quality children’s books in 2025.
On the other hand, the Sardar Joyenuddin Memorial Award 2026 was given to Shohoj Prokash, recognising a newcomer publisher with notable publications.
Meanwhile, the Kaiyum Chowdhury Memorial Award 2026 for aesthetic stall decoration was awarded to Creative Dhaka Publications, Matra Prokash, and Bengal Books..