United News of Bangladesh

After overcoming a series of logistical challenges, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 opens its gates in the capital today (Thursday) with organisers promising 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 run until March 15. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate the fair at 2pm. During the opening ceremony, he will also present the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025. Organised by Bangla Academy, the month-long fair remains a central fixture of Bangladesh’s cultural calendar, marking the spirit of the Language Movement and the wider observance of Amar Ekushey. Scale and Layout According to the organisers, 549 publishing houses are participating this year. Of these, 81 stalls are located within the Bangla Academy premises and 468 at the adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan.  In total, the fair features 1,018 units. A 'Little Magazine Corner' has been arranged under the trees near the open stage at Suhrawardy Udyan, with 87 little magazines allocated stalls. The overall layout remains largely unchanged from last year, though some structural adjustments have been introduced.  Due to the positioning of the metro rail station, the exit route has been shifted closer to the temple gate. There will be four entry and exit points at TSC, Doel Chattar, the MRT basing plant and the Engineers’ Institution area. Food stalls have been placed along the boundary of the Engineers’ Institution. Ramadan Arrangements & Environmental focus With Ramadan under way, organisers have made special arrangements at the Suhrawardy Udyan section for Taraweeh prayers.  Bangla Academy assures inclusive, safe Amar Ekushey Book Fair Prayer spaces, washrooms and related facilities will remain available. The fair will be open from 2pm to 9 pm on regular days, with entry closed after 8:30 pm. On holidays, it will run from 11 am to 9pm. Fridays and Saturdays will feature a dedicated Children’s Corner from 11 am to 1:30 pm, hosting 63 institutions across 107 units.  In addition, daily seminars will take place on the main stage from 3pm to 4pm, followed by cultural programmes from 4pm to 5pm. There will also be children’s art, recitation and music competitions, alongside book launch events at Suhrawardy Udyan. This year, organisers have pledged to turn the fair into a 'Zero Waste Book Fair'. The premises will be free from polythene and smoking.  Regular water spraying will be carried out to control dust and mosquito control measures will be in place. Publishers, food vendors and stall operators have been urged to use recyclable and environmentally friendly materials such as jute, cloth and paper for stalls, banners and promotional materials. Security and Last-minute Rush  Multi-layered security arrangements have been implemented across the fairground and surrounding areas.  Archways have been installed at entry and exit points, and extensive CCTV coverage has been set up. No mob threat at Amar Ekushey Book Fair, police on full alert: DMP Members of Bangladesh Police, RAB, Ansar and various intelligence agencies will oversee security.  Adequate lighting has been arranged throughout the fairground and adjacent areas, including routes from Doel Chattar to TSC and Shahbagh, via Matsya Bhaban and the Engineers’ Institution, as well as from Doel Chattar to Shaheed Minar and Chankharpul, and from TSC to Nilkhet. Despite the preparations, some publishers say that complications surrounding the fair’s commencement during Ramadan have left them struggling to complete stall arrangements in time.  Workers were seen busy arranging books and hanging banners even on the eve of the opening. According to several publishers, not all stalls will be fully ready on the first day, with finishing touches likely to continue even after the fair formally begins.