Govt urged to confirm Ekushey book fair schedule by 4 Nov

The Ekushey Book Fair Songramme Committee today (30 October) urged the government to announce by 4 November that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will be held on schedule, upholding the event's long-standing tradition.

The committee leaders at a press conference at the Jatiya Press Club said writers, readers, publishers, cultural activists and progressive citizens would compel the government through broader movement and programmes to organise the fair in February as per tradition.

They said they hope the government will uphold the nation's glorious heritage and honour the emotions and expectations of the people by ensuring that the fair takes place in February.

Executive Member Shah Alamb read out a written statement on behalf of the organisation.

The committee leaders said several meetings have been held with the publishers and booksellers association, writers, readers and cultural activists.

The latest consultation took place on 25 October at the seminar room of Shirula Academy where all participants expressed strong support for holding the fair in February.

"We believe there is no situation that necessitates postponing the Ekushey Book Fair. Yet, the government appears to be misleading the public in a planned manner. The freedom-loving, progressive and democratic-minded people of this country will never allow that to happen," he said.

The committee leaders called upon the government to withdraw any decision to delay the event and demonstrate goodwill by ensuring its timely organisation.

They urged the authorities to respect the expectations of writers, readers, publishers and the general public and to protect the proud spirit of the Language Movement.

In the statement, the committee said authorities had cited the upcoming national election and security concerns as reasons for a possible postponement.

"The national election is undoubtedly of great importance but using election-related circumstances and law and order as excuses for delaying the Ekushey Book Fair is unjustified. There are precedents of elections being held in February and the fair has even taken place during Ramadan without interruption," it said.

The statement also expressed concern that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs has been creating confusion over national events.

Since assuming office, the current Cultural Affairs Adviser has not felt the need to engage in dialogue or consultation with cultural leaders and activists who had played leading roles in the anti-fascist movement, they alleged.

Similarly, the decision to postpone the Ekushey Book Fair was made without any consultation with key stakeholders, they claimed.

They also people did not expect such unilateral and immature decisions from an interim government that came to power through sacrifices.

"This kind of authoritarianism and incompetence from the Ministry of Culture—and by extension, the government—is a matter of deep regret and frustration for the nation, reads the statement."

Jamshed Anwar Tapon, general secretary of Udichi Shilpigoshthi added, "We have protested against many decisions of the previous government. Now, it seems there is a shadow government operating within the current administration acting against the interests of Bangladesh."