United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday inaugurated the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026, the annual gathering for book lovers and publishers, in the capital. The Prime Minister opened the country’s largest book fair around 3:12 pm, joining the inaugural ceremony at the Bangla Academy premises. The Bangla Academy organised the fair at its premises and the adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan. The fair will remain open from 2 pm to 9 pm on regular days, with entry closing at 8:30 pm. On holidays, it will run from 11 am to 9 pm. Fridays and Saturdays will feature a dedicated Children’s Corner from 11 am to 1:30 pm, hosting 63 institutions across 107 units. At the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister presented the Bangla Academy Sahitya Puroshkar 2026 to eight distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions to Bangla literature. This year’s recipients are Nasima Anis for fiction, Syed Azizul Haque for essays and prose, Hasan Hafiz for children’s literature, Ali Ahmad for translation, Mustafa Majid and Israil Khan for research, Farseem Mannan Mohammedy for science, and Moidul Hasan for works on the Liberation War. Unlike previous years, the fair began at the end of February instead of February 1 due to the national election held on February 12. The ceremony began at 2 pm with the national anthem and a recitation of religious scriptures. A one-minute silence was observed in tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the July mass uprising. Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, Chairman of Bangla Academy, chaired the inaugural session. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman, and Bangla Academy Director General Prof Mohammad Azam, among others, addressed the programme. Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman and his daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman were present. Cabinet members, members of parliament, notable citizens, writers, publishers, and senior civil and military officials also attended. Organisers promised a 'zero-waste' and environmentally conscious edition of the country’s largest literary gathering. This year’s fair carries the theme 'Multidimensional Bangladesh' and will continue until 15 March. The traditional book fair remains a central feature of Bangladesh’s cultural calendar, celebrating the spirit of the Language Movement and the wider observance of Amar Ekushey. According to the organisers, 549 publishing houses are participating this year, with 81 stalls at the Bangla Academy and 468 at Suhrawardy Udyan, making a total of 1,018 units. A 'Little Magazine Corner' has been arranged under the trees near the open stage at Suhrawardy Udyan, featuring 87 little magazines. The overall layout remains largely unchanged from last year, though some structural adjustments have been made.

Bangla Academy on Tuesday assured that this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair will be held in a more organised, inclusive and secure manner from February 26, despite various challenges, with the participation of the highest number of publishers. Director General Dr Mohammad Azam made the remarks at a press conference outlining last-minute preparations for the fair. Dr Selim Reza, Secretary of Bangla Academy and Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee, presented a detailed report on the preparations. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the fair as chief guest at 2pm. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Multidimensional Bangladesh’. Emphasising inclusivity, Dr Mohammad Azam said the fair would be ‘a place for all opinions and people’. “Additional security forces have been deployed to prevent any untoward incidents, as we believe in an inclusive book fair.” Regarding stall construction, he said publishers had assured him that work would be completed on time with extra effort. Stalls and Participation A total of 549 publishing houses are participating this year. Of them, 81 will be located on the Bangla Academy premises and 468 at Suhrawardy Udyan, with a combined total of 1,018 units. The Little Magazine Corner has been set up near the open stage area of Suhrawardy Udyan, where 87 little magazines have been allocated stalls. The Children’s Corner, featuring 63 institutions with 107 units, has been placed at the centre of Suhrawardy Udyan to ensure easy access and safe movement for children. Layout and Facilities While the overall layout remains similar to last year, several structural adjustments have been made. Due to the location of the metro rail station, the main exit has been shifted closer to the temple gate area. There will be four entry and exit points via TSC, Doel Chattar, the MRT base plant and the Engineering Institute area. Food stalls have been arranged along the boundary of the Engineering Institute. Prayer spaces, washrooms and other essential services will be available. During Ramadan, arrangements will be made for Taraweeh prayers at the Suhrawardy Udyan section of the fair. Organisers said a mobile app has been updated to make it more user-friendly, enabling visitors to easily locate book stalls. Books will be sold at a 25% commission by Bangla Academy and participating publishers, while government institutions will follow their designated commission rates. Bangla Academy book stalls will be available in both sections of the fair. Events Daily thematic seminars will be held from 3pm to 4pm, followed by cultural performances on the main stage from 4pm to 5pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, children’s and adolescents’ programmes — including drawing, recitation and music competitions — will take place from 11am to 1pm. Security & Cleanliness Archways will be installed at entry and exit points. Overall security will be ensured by Bangladesh Police, Rapid Action Battalion, Bangladesh Ansar and intelligence agencies, supported by a comprehensive CCTV system. The fair will be a polythene- and smoke-free one. Authorities said sufficient lighting, regular cleaning, dust control and mosquito management measures have been arranged in and around the venue and adjoining areas. Awards Several awards will be presented, including the Chittaranjan Saha Memorial Award for quality publishing, the Munier Chowdhury Memorial Award for artistic excellence, the Rokonuzzaman Khan Dadabhai Memorial Award for children’s literature, and the Qayyum Chowdhury Memorial Award for best stall design. A new accolade — the Sardar Joyenuddin Memorial Award — has been introduced this year for new publishing houses, with first, second and third prizes. Green Initiative Organisers aim to make this year’s fair environmentally conscious and zero-waste, encouraging the use of reusable and eco-friendly materials such as jute, cloth and paper in stalls, stages, promotional materials and food outlets. The inauguration date was rescheduled for the third time, having previously been set for February 25 and February 20, 2026, and December 17 last year. The fair will run from February 26 to March 15. It will remain open from 2pm to 9pm on regular days and from 11am to 9pm on holidays. Entry will close at 8:30pm.

The Bangla Academy has announced nine eminent writers as the recipients of its Literary Award 2025. In a media statement, the academy’s public relations department said the awards were given in eight categories for the year. The recipients are Syed Azizul Huq for essay, Mohon Raihan for poetry, Nasima Anis for fiction, Hasan Hafiz for children’s literature, Mustafa Majid and Israil Khan for research, Farseem Mannan Mohammedy for science, Ali Ahmad for translation, and Moidul Hasan for the Liberation War.  

Bangladesh’s premier literary event, Ekushey Book Fair, is set to open later this month amid mounting opposition from a large section of mainstream publishers who warn that holding the fair during Ramadan could inflict heavy financial losses on the industry. Bangla Academy has confirmed that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, even as more than 300 publishers have threatened to boycott the event if the schedule is not reconsidered. Dr Md Selim Reza, member secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee, told UNB that preparations are already well underway. “The lottery for allocation of stalls and pavilions was completed on Tuesday night. Allocation has already been finalised. Now publishers can start organising their allotted spaces,” he said. To facilitate confirmation of stall and pavilion allotments, Bangla Academy earlier extended the payment deadline from February 9 to February 11. According to organisers, a total of 662 stalls have been allotted this year, 133 more than in 2025. Of these, 24 new publishing houses have been allocated stalls. The number of pavilions stands at 23, including 11 for established publishing houses and 12 for new ones. Boycott Threat However, the decision to hold the 23-day fair from February 20 — during the fasting month of Ramadan — has triggered strong objections from publishers. In a press release signed by Mazharul Islam of Anyaprokash, a group of publishers said at least 321 publishing houses had demanded that the fair be held after Ramadan and would stay away if the schedule remained unchanged. Several publishers said they had raised concerns well in advance but received no positive response from the authorities. They argue that Ramadan typically brings shorter working hours and reduced consumer spending during daytime, which could significantly affect book sales. Many fear that participating under such conditions would result in substantial losses. Appeal to Tarique Rahman In a further escalation, the publishers’ platform Prokashok Oikk (Publishers’ Unity) has sent an open letter to Tarique Rahman, chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the next Prime Minister of Bangladesh, seeking intervention. In the letter, the platform said nearly 90% of publishers believe that taking part in the fair during Ramadan would amount to ‘commercial suicide’. It claimed that more than 300 mainstream publishers have already expressed their inability to participate. The publishers said the industry has been under severe strain for the past one and a half years due to political and economic instability. Rising paper prices and increased production costs have intensified financial pressure, they said. They also noted that printing presses had remained largely preoccupied with election-related work over the past two months, effectively halting the publication of new titles. Against this backdrop, the publishers questioned why Bangla Academy remains firm on holding the fair despite repeated appeals for reconsideration. Call for Postponement The publishers stressed that they are not opposed to the book fair itself. Instead, they said they want a ‘successful and inclusive’ event that upholds the spirit and tradition of Amar Ekushey. Considering Ramadan and the post-election situation, they proposed holding the fair after Eid. In their letter, they placed two key demands before the new government led by Tarique Rahman: first, postponement of the fair scheduled to begin on 20 February; and second, organising the event in a festive and full-fledged manner after Eid. They expressed hope that a positive decision would protect the publishing industry from major losses and help preserve the legacy of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair — a cultural fixture that commemorates the Language Movement and remains one of the country’s most anticipated literary gatherings. For now, however, the fair appears set to go ahead as planned, setting the stage for a confrontation between organisers determined to maintain tradition and publishers wary of the economic realities they face.

Bangla Academy on Thursday reiterated that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will begin on February 20, ruling out the possibility of postponing the country’s largest literary event. The decision was announced at an emergency press conference organised by the Bangla Academy. Member Secretary of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 Organising Committee Selim Reza said the Academy had taken note of differing opinions and proposals regarding the fair’s schedule, including requests from a section of publishers to hold the fair after Eid. “By the time such requests were made, nearly 60 percent of the preparations had already been completed,” he said. Read More: Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 to begin on Feb 20 Reza explained that organising a month-long book fair after Eid would push the schedule into April, a period marked by extreme heat, dust, frequent storms and the risk of Kalbaishakhi nor’westers and rainfall. “Considering these realities, hosting the book fair in April is not practical.” He said unavoidable circumstances had made it impossible to inaugurate the fair on February 1 this year, as done traditionally. As a result, the fair will commence on February 20, following a unanimous decision by the organising committee, which has already held several meetings. In response to publishers’ demands, the Academy has reduced stall rents by 25 percent compared to last year, despite a significant rise in overall organisational costs, Selim Reza noted. He said all major preparations for the fair have been completed as planned. An event management firm has been appointed, he said, adding, Suhrawardy Udyan has been allocated by the government, stall construction is underway, and the schedules for discussions and cultural programmes have been finalised. Invitations have also been sent to prospective speakers and contributors. Read More: Amar Ekushey Book Fair to be held on time: Press Secretary According to Selim Reza, a total of 580 institutions applied for stalls this year, including 527 publishers who participated last year and 53 new applicants.  Due to space constraints, he said, stalls have so far been allocated to all 527 returning publishers and 24 new ones. Besides, 56 institutions have applied for larger stalls compared to last year, while more than a hundred government and private organisations have also sought stall allocation for the fair. The fair will remain open daily from 2:00pm to 9:00pm. As the book fair will be held during Ramadan, the Bangla Academy said special arrangements will be in place at the fair venue for iftar facilities for visitors and participants. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair is regarded as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s literary and cultural calendar, commemorating the Language Movement and celebrating the country’s publishing industry. Read More:‘Sparsho Braille’ distributes free books for visually impaired at Ekushey Book Fair 

The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025 entered its third day on Monday, drawing a large number of visitors. This year, the fair hosts 99 stalls on the premises of Bangla Academy and 609 stalls at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan. A total of 708 publishers were expected to participate, compared to 642 publishers last year. Visitors can visit the fair from 3 pm to 9 pm on regular days. On holidays, it will remain open from 11 am. Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus inaugurated the fair on Saturday, which carries the theme “July Gono Obbhuthyan: Notun Bangladesh Binirman” (The July Uprising: Rebuilding a New Bangladesh). The fair also features 37 pavilions—one at Bangla Academy and 36 at Suhrawardy Udyan. A dedicated space for little magazines has been set up near the open stage of Suhrawardy Udyan. Read: Book Fair: Paperback still rules readers' choice in digital age

Comprehensive security measures have been taken for the upcoming Amar Ekushey Boi Mela 2025, said DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md Sazzat Ali. Speaking at a coordination meeting on Wednesday at the DMP Headquarters, he assured that robust security, law and order, and traffic management arrangements are in place for the fair. Publications at Boi Mela still not back to pre-Covid levels "Every year, the Bangla Academy organises the Amar Ekushey Boi Mela, which will run throughout February at the academy and Suhrawardy Udyan premises. This year, DMP has ensured sufficient security around the event," he said. Both uniformed and plainclothes police officers will be stationed inside and outside the fairgrounds. Continuous surveillance will be carried out via CCTV cameras, and additional safety measures such as watch towers, fire tenders, and first aid facilities will be deployed, said the DMP official. Longest Boi Mela wraps up, with 6 million visitors across 31 days Other security protocols include sweeping event locations, deploying special plainclothes teams, and monitoring social media and drone surveillance around the fairgrounds, he added. The DMP commissioner added that all visitors must enter the venue through an archway. Large bags, cartons, and flammable materials will be strictly prohibited. As in previous years, a Lost and Found centre, help desk, and child care centre will be available to assist visitors. The DMP Commissioner expressed confidence that the fair would be conducted smoothly with cooperation and coordination from all involved. DMP Deputy Commissioner (Operations), AFM Tariq Hossain Khan, presented the security plan for the fair via a PowerPoint presentation at the meeting. Holidays are for the kids at Boi Mela; sales surge, and catching Sisimpur live Representatives from various government agencies, including the Fire Service, DPDC, Health Department, and the Ministry of Culture were present in the meeting.

People from all walks of life paid their tributes to eminent poet Helal Hafiz on Bangla Academy premises on Saturday morning. His body was taken to Bangla Academy around 11 am so that people can pay their tributes to the poet of rebellion and love who died on Friday. His first namaz-e-janaza was held in front of the Nazrul Mancha there. Admirers of the poet, people from cultural arena, writers, poets his elder brother Dulal Hafiz, younger brother Nehal Hafiz, and other family members were present. Family sources said he will be buried at Intellectual Graveyard after his 2nd namaz-e-Janaza at the National Press Club after Johr prayers today. Culture Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Director of the Bangla Academy were, among others, present Nehal Hafiz said, "We have lost him as a family member, but Bangladesh's literary arena has lost a great personality." Social media flooded with tributes to deceased poet Helal Hafiz Recitation artist Rashid Kamal said, "As long as Bangladesh’s history exists, Helal Hafiz will remain relevant. Even in the 24' uprising, he was significant." He added, "Helal Hafiz used to tell me, 'If you want to write something, you must read a lot. Then, write very little. Publish even less.'" Family members of Helal Hafiz shared that they tried several times to take him to a hospital, but he insisted, "I have no time left, I quit." Chief Adviser mourns death of eminent poet Helal Hafiz Farooki said when you talk about the songs of youth, Helal Hafiz’s name always comes to mind. He said, "I don’t know if any other poet has influenced the history of a nation’s art and culture as much with just one poetry book. He didn’t write many books, but whenever we talk about songs and youth, Helal Hafiz’s name comes up. That is his achievement."

Prof M Harunur Rashid, former Director General of Bangla Academy and ex-teacher of Jahangirnagar University, passed away at a hospital in the capital on Tuesday. He was 85. Prof Harunur Rashid, who had been suffering from cancer, breathed his last at Ibn Sina Hospital on Tuesday afternoon, his son Humayun Rashid told UNB. He was buried around 8:45pm after Isha prayers at Baba Hujur Mosque premises near Kazipara in the capital's Mirpur. Prof Rashid was born on 28 December 1939 into a Bengali Muslim family in the Tinsukia district of Assam Province. He completed his BA Honours (1960) and MA (1961) in English from Dhaka University. Later, he pursued further education at the University of Cambridge (Fitzwilliam College), UK, where he earned a BA Honours (1966) and an MA (1970). On February 7, 1991, he was appointed Director General of Bangla Academy, marking a significant milestone in his career as an educational administrator. Ex-Chief Justice Ruhul Amin dies at 83 During his tenure, he published the Bangla Academy English–Bengali Dictionary. After serving as Director General for four years, he returned to Jahangirnagar University, where he later opted for voluntary retirement in 1998. Following his retirement in 1999, Prof Rashid briefly transitioned into journalism, serving as the chief editor of Dhaka Courier, a national English-language newsweekly. However, this phase of his career was short-lived, and he subsequently joined North South University as an adjunct professor of English, where he taught for eight years until December 2008. In January 2009, he joined Darul Ihsan University as an adviser and professor of English. He also taught at the Dhaka branch of International Islamic University Chittagong, continuing his academic contributions until 28 February 2015. Prof Rashid held several prestigious positions in national organizations. He was elected president of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh in 1998 for a two-year term. In February 2007, he became the president of Bangla Academy for another two-year term. On 5 August 2015, he was unanimously elected Chairman of Wild Team (Wild Life Trust of Bangladesh). Prof Rashid’s extensive career as an academic, administrator, and advocate for wildlife conservation showcases his diverse contributions to education and society.

Dr M Harun-Ur-Rashid Askari, a former vice-chancellor of Islamic University in Kushtia, took over as the director general of Bangla Academy on Wednesday (July 24, 2024). The government appointed him to the post for the next three years on July 18. He was replaced by Nurul Huda as his tenure came to an end. The officials of the Bangla Academy, however, welcomed the newly appointed DG with floral reception. While taking charge, Dr Rashid Askari sought cooperation from all to work for the improvement of the academy’s ranking in the international arena and maintain transparency and accountability in all sectors. Rashid Askari, who previously served the IU in Kushtia as its 12th VC, joined the university as lecturer in English in 1990. Read more: 'Winds of Flavour': Jahangir Hossain's solo exhibition begins at Abinta Gallery of Fine Arts He, as a vice-chancellor, introduced considerable measures to secularize and internationalize the academic trajectory of the university as well as adopted down to earth policies to help the university cope with various challenges of the 21st Century. He has facilitated the development of the understanding of cultural diversity of humankind in order to prepare students to go forth with skills, knowledge and wisdom to serve and advance the communities in which they live and work.