But the biggest literary event of the country – which begins on February 1 every year – might not be held as usual.

Previously, it was announced that the book fair would be organised virtually to prevent the transmission of Covid-19 as the country prepares to tackle a possible second wave of Covid-19.

However, a meeting was held on Sunday between Bangla Academy and two associations – Book Publishers and Sellers Association of Bangladesh and Academic and Creative Publishers Association of Bangladesh – with whom the academy arrange the fair every year.

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Both the associations proposed for arranging the fair in February at the venue while maintaining health guidelines.

“We decided that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2021 will be held in February,” Academic and Creative Publishers Association of Bangladesh President Farid Ahmed said.

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“And we will give a proposal to Bangla Academy with a possible date, and the academy will forward it to the government. If the government approves, the book fair will start in February.”

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Bangla Academy Director General Habibullah Siraji said, “The publishers came up with their demands and we advised them to submit a plan with a suitable date, considering the Covid-19 situation. The academy needs at least two months for preparations.”

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On Friday, Bangla Academy decided that the fair would go virtual for the first time if the Covid-19 situation worsens.

The decision was taken at the executive council meeting of the academy last Thursday.

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