Bangla Academy Again Postpones Ekushey Book Fair

The Bangla Academy has again postponed the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, days after shifting the 2026 edition to a December–January window. The latest move follows a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs advising deferral of large public events until after the upcoming national election.

In a notice issued Sunday, the Academy said new dates will be announced following consultations with publishers and other stakeholders. Earlier, on Sept 18, officials had rescheduled the fair to Dec 17, 2025–Jan 17, 2026, departing from its traditional February slot to avoid a clash with the election period and Ramadan.

Publishers had already begun compressing production schedules to meet the December timeline, and industry groups warn that another delay could disrupt release plans, stall pre-press investments, and affect seasonal sales cycles. The Academy said it will work with the Bangladesh Book Publishers and Sellers Association to evaluate logistical options and confirm a new calendar “as soon as conditions permit.”

Security concerns and policing demand during the election period were cited as primary reasons for the postponement. Until a revised schedule is set, ancillary preparations for stalls, allocations, and venue logistics will remain on hold.

Sources: The Daily Star, JagoNews24, Daily Observer, bdnews24, Dhaka Tribun