The Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2026 has concluded amid uncertainty, repeated changes in schedule, and a severe shortage of visitors. Although the fair traditionally begins on the 1st February, this year it commenced on February 26 due to various complications.
The shortened 18-day event reportedly caused significant financial losses for publishers. On the final day alone, 236 new books were submitted to the information center, bringing the total number of new titles this year to 2,007. By comparison, 3,299 new books were published in 2025 and 3,751 in 2024.
The theme of this year’s fair was “Multidimensional Bangladesh.” A total of 549 publishing houses participated, down from 780 in 2025. Of these, 81 were allocated space on the Bangla Academy premises and 468 in the Suhrawardy Udyan section. Overall, the fair comprised 1,018 units.
Special “Children’s Hour” programs were held every Friday and Saturday. Security was maintained under strict surveillance by the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), including archways, metal detectors, and rigorous manual searches at entry points. Nearly 300 CCTV cameras monitored the entire venue. Traffic diversions were enforced around TSC, Doel Chattar, and Hakim Chattar areas.
Publishers express disappointment
At a press conference yesterday, Prokashok Oikyo expressed deep dissatisfaction with this year’s fair. According to the organization, business conditions were even worse than during the COVID-19 period.
They reported that in the 14 days from February 26 to last Saturday, sales declined by at least 80 percent compared to normal times amid the changed circumstances following the July mass uprising. Nearly 90 percent of publishers reportedly failed to recover even the initial costs of stall construction, while about 30 percent did not sell books worth even 5,000 taka.
The forum noted that sales in the 2025 fair had already dropped by about 60 percent compared to 2024, and in 2026 they fell a further 80 percent compared to 2025.
However, they welcomed government support, especially the full waiver of stall rent and thanked Bangla Academy as the organizer.
Uncertainty from the beginning
Uncertainty surrounded the fair even before its inauguration, with disagreements between organizers and publishers. A proposed opening on February 20 faced objections from 321 publishing houses due to parliamentary elections and Ramadan. The fair eventually began on February 26 after assurances of rent waivers and equitable space allocation.
Nevertheless, Ramadan, political and economic instability, and unfavorable weather prevented the expected turnout. Although there was some crowd on the final day, authors and publishers largely left with a sense of overall loss.
Closing ceremony
The closing ceremony took place at 3:00 PM on Sunday. Bangla Academy Director General Professor Mohammad Azam delivered the welcome speech, while Fair Member-Secretary Dr. Md. Selim Reza presented the report. Cultural Affairs Ministry’s Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman delivered remarks.
The chief guest was Cultural Affairs Minister Nityai Roy Chowdhury, and the event was presided over by Bangla Academy President Professor Abul Kasem Fazlul Haque.
Professor Azam said the fair was successfully organized with the cooperation of all stakeholders and would inspire renewed expectations in the future.
Minister Nityai Roy Chowdhury emphasized that books are indispensable for building a knowledge-based and inclusive society, urging efforts to bring children back to reading and expand libraries nationwide.
Professor Fazlul Haque noted that quality books awaken readers’ consciousness and that reading habits play a vital role in shaping the nation’s future.
Awards presented
Several memorial awards were presented for this fair. Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award 2026 awarded to Panjeree Publications Ltd. for publishing the highest number of quality children’s books
Sardar Joyen Uddin Memorial Award 2026 awarded to Sohaj Prokash for excellence among new participating publishers
Artist Kaiyum Chowdhury Memorial Award 2026 awarded to Creative Dhaka Publications, Matra Prokash, and Bengalbooks for outstanding stall design.