India's MEA yet to clear Bangladeshi publishers for Kolkata book fair
If Bangladeshi publishers are absent, it would mark only the second such occurrence in the fair’s history, excluding years when the event was not held
Bangladeshi publishers face uncertainty over participation in the 49th Kolkata International Book Fair, scheduled to run from 22 Jan to 3 Feb 2026, as they have yet to receive clearance from India's Ministry of External Affairs to set up stalls, organisers said.
Publishers from Bangladesh have traditionally been regular participants at the fair, reflecting close cultural and linguistic ties with West Bengal. However, the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, which organises the event, said it cannot allocate stalls without a "green signal" from the Indian government, says The Hindu.
Guild officials cited political concerns, referring to the tense and "unrestful" situation currently prevailing in Bangladesh.
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If Bangladeshi publishers are absent, it would mark only the second such occurrence in the fair's history, excluding years when the event was not held. The previous absence was in the 2025 edition. This contrasts with 2022, when Bangladesh was the fair's focus country to mark the 50th anniversary of its Liberation War.
Around 45 Bangladeshi publishers typically participate in the fair. Several senior figures from Bangladesh's publishing industry have requested stalls for the 2026 edition, but guild officials said their absence would not have a major impact on overall book sales.
The book fair will be held at Boimela Prangan in Salt Lake and will be inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Argentina has been selected as the theme country for the 2026 edition.
