Government cuts stall rent by 55% as book fair set to proceed with Feb 20 start

Publishers who have already paid will be reimbursed, officials says

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair has been scheduled to begin on Feb 20 despite objections from some publishers, with the government deciding to waive 55 percent of stall rents for participating publishers.

The decision was announced at a meeting with publishers held at Bangla Academy on Tuesday.

Earlier, 321 publishing houses in a joint statement had said they would not participate in the fair scheduled to begin on Feb 20, citing fears of “low reader turnout”, “humanitarian challenges”, and “economic risks”.

They said holding the fair in February after the national election and during the month of Ramadan would make it difficult for them to take part due to business and humanitarian risks.

The publishers added that if the fair were held after Eid-ul-Fitr, they would participate spontaneously and extend full cooperation to ensure its success.

According to a Bangla Academy media statement, the culture advisor at Tuesday’s meeting announced the government’s decision to waive 55 percent stall rent for publishers participating in the fair beginning Feb 20.

Selim Reza, member secretary of the book fair management committee, said publishers who have already paid stall rents will be refunded the remaining amount.

“Those who have not yet paid can deposit the revised amount directly,” he said.