Staff Reporter :
The Ekushey Book Fair Songramme Committee has called on the government to officially confirm by 4 November that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will be held in February, maintaining the nation’s cherished cultural tradition.
At a press conference held at the Jatiya Press Club on Thursday (30 October), the committee leaders warned that writers, publishers, readers, and cultural activists would launch broader movements if the government failed to uphold the fair’s long-standing schedule.
Reading out a written statement on behalf of the committee, Executive Member Shah Alamb said the book fair represents the “emotions and aspirations of a freedom-loving nation,” and any attempt to delay it would be “a betrayal of the spirit of the Language Movement.”
Consultations with cultural stakeholders.
The leaders noted that the committee had already held several rounds of meetings with the Publishers and Booksellers Association, writers, and cultural activists to discuss the issue.
The most recent consultation took place on 25 October at the Shirula Academy seminar room, where participants unanimously voiced their support for holding the fair in February as per tradition.
“We firmly believe there is no valid reason to postpone the Ekushey Book Fair,” Shah Alamb said. “Yet, the government seems to be misleading the public in a calculated manner.
The progressive, democratic-minded people of Bangladesh will never accept such a move.”
‘No justification for delay’
In its written statement, the committee alleged that the authorities were citing the upcoming national election and security concerns as excuses to delay the fair.
“The national election is indeed important,” the statement read, “but using it as a pretext to disrupt a historic cultural event is unjustified. Elections have previously been held in February, and the book fair has even taken place during Ramadan without interruption.”
The committee also urged the government to withdraw any decision to postpone the event and to demonstrate goodwill by ensuring its timely organisation. “We call upon the authorities to honour the expectations of writers, publishers, and the general public by protecting the proud spirit of the Language Movement,” the statement added.
The committee accused the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of creating unnecessary confusion about national events and failing to consult with key cultural stakeholders.
“Since assuming office, the current Cultural Affairs Adviser has shown little interest in engaging with cultural leaders and activists—many of whom played vital roles in the anti-fascist movement,” the statement said.
The committee also criticised what it described as unilateral decision-making within the ministry. “People did not expect such immature and authoritarian behaviour from an interim government that came to power through public sacrifice,” the statement continued.
“This kind of incompetence from the Ministry of Culture—and by extension, the government—is deeply regrettable and frustrating for the nation.”
Speaking at the press conference, Jamshed Anwar Tapon, General Secretary of Udichi Shilpigoshthi, voiced strong disapproval of the government’s approach.
“We protested against many wrongful decisions under the previous administration,” he said. “Now, it seems a shadow government is operating within the current interim administration, working against the cultural and democratic interests of Bangladesh.”
The Ekushey Book Fair Songramme Committee reiterated its demand that the government uphold the nation’s cultural dignity by ensuring the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 takes place on schedule in February, symbolising the continued spirit of freedom, language, and cultural pride that the event has represented for decades.
