Ekushey Book Fair will not be held before election, says Bangla Academy

The fair, brought forward to December, will now be held at a later date, says Bangla Academy DG

The Bangla Academy has postponed the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, originally scheduled for December, in light of the upcoming national elections.

The decision was made following a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Bangla Academy announced in a statement on Sunday.

In consultation with publishers and other stakeholders, the fair’s new dates will be decided later, organisers said.

Bangla Academy Director General Prof Mohammad Azam told bdnews24.com, “The book fair cannot be held before the election. We will announce the final date later.”

On Sept 21, a meeting at the home ministry decided that the fair should be held after the national elections. This decision was communicated to the Bangla Academy through the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Previously, the fair was scheduled from Dec 17 to Jan 17, based on feedback from the publishers and Booksellers Association and other concerned parties.