321 publishers threaten to boycott if Ekushey Book Fair goes ahead in February

The publishers, however, are willing to risk storms and rain if the fair takes place after Eid-ul-Fitr

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As many as 321 publishing houses have said they will not take part in the Amar Ekushey Book Fair if it is held this month, citing concerns over weak visitor turnout, humanitarian disasters, and financial losses.

In a joint statement, they expressed that due to the post-2026 national election climate and the month of Ramadan, it is impossible for them to participate in a February fair while facing such "business and humanitarian risks”.

These publishers, however, have shown an interest in "spontaneously" participating if the fair is held after Eid-ul-Fitr, stating they will provide "all possible cooperation" to the authorities to ensure the event's success.

The fair is scheduled to begin on Feb 20.

According to the publishers who signed the statement, "The announcement made by Bangla Academy to commence the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 from the 20th of February is unrealistic, self-destructive and tantamount to pushing the publishing industry into severe uncertainty.”

The publishers claim that the industry has been enduring a "severe recession" over the past one-and-a-half years.

They noted, "In this situation, it is impossible for us to risk losing our remaining capital by participating in another unsuccessful fair."

The fair’s organiser Bangla Academy, however, said 60 percent of preparation has been completed.

In a written statement on Thursday, the book fair management committee’s Member Secretary Selim Reza said: “This time, 527 organisations from among those that took part last year and 53 new organisations have applied for stalls.

“Stalls have already been allocated to the 527 organisations from the previous year and 24 new organisations."

Although a section of publishers has demanded that the book fair be organised after Eid, it was reported that no decision had been taken to change the date.

The written statement said, "As the work of organising the book fair is nearly 60 percent complete, some respected publishers have requested the government to organise the book fair after Eid.

“We have heard the publishers' remarks and responded with reasons why it is difficult to organise a book fair after Eid."

"It will then enter the month of April. It is severely hot in April. The dust worsens. There is a high likelihood of rain and nor’wester storms. Organising a month-long book fair at this time is not realistic," it added.