Pahela February silence broken by symbolic 'Ekushey Book Fair' at Bangla Academy

This Pahela February, Suhrawardy Udyan was unusually quiet. The familiar hum of readers, poets, and bustling stalls was missing, as the government postponed the fair until 20 February. Yet, to keep the spirit of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair alive, a symbolic celebration of books and culture unfolded at the Bangla Academy premises.

The event, organised by the Ekushey Boimela Sangram Parishad, was inaugurated yesterday morning at the Bangla Academy. Bangla Academy President Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque and 1971 liberation movement organiser and leftist leader Dipa Dutta attended the ceremony.

Speaking at the inauguration, Dipa Dutta said the fair was meant to uphold the tradition that began in 1964–65 with the National Book Centre. "The book fair is more than a marketplace; it is a vital expression of Bengali culture, deeply connected with the spirit of the Language Movement and our cultural identity," she said. Referring to recent attacks on Udichi and Chhayanaut, she added, "These incidents show that reactionary forces are active in the country, attempting to undermine the ideals of the Language Movement and Bengali culture."

Although public participation was limited, organisers said the key message is clear: the Amar Ekushey Book Fair is not merely an event – it is a national cultural tradition, deeply entwined with the history of the Language Movement.

Tania Akter, a visitor from Mirpur, told The Business Standard, "Every year I look forward to 1 February – it's a childhood habit. This year, when the fair did not start on the date, I was surprised and disappointed. Coming to this symbolic fair has somewhat filled that void."

Organisers emphasised that the event was not a commercial alternative but a tribute to the spirit, history, and cultural responsibility of the Ekushey Book Fair.

Habiba Akter, a representative from Abosor Publications, said, "Though the business benefit today is minimal, we consider this fair to be important. Its significance lies in preserving the continuity of history."

Poet and writer Shafiq Sai told TBS, "The place the book fair occupies in Bengali culture cannot be suppressed under any pretext. Whenever cultural practice is challenged, cultural activists will stand firm. This symbolic fair is proof of that resolve."