The Amar Ekushey Book Fair will be held on schedule this year, despite some minor coordination challenges, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam confirmed on Sunday.
Speaking at a discussion titled “What Kind of Book Fair We Want” at the National Press Club, Shafiqul said, “The book fair will definitely take place and on time. Some adjustments may be required due to the current situation, but that will not pose any major obstacle.”
He added that the Bangla Academy would consult with publishers and the Ministry of Culture to reach a consensus suitable for all parties.
Emphasising the spirit of diversity, Shafiqul said the fair must be an inclusive space where readers can explore books of all genres and from all authors. “Readers should have the freedom to choose what they want to read. Knowledge grows only when one reads out of interest, not compulsion,” he said.
Criticising what he called a “special class of broker publishers and broker writers” active during the previous government, he alleged that many individuals had earned millions by exploiting political patronage in publishing. “People were forced to buy books glorifying certain individuals and families. One journalist alone reportedly sold books worth Tk 11 crore this way,” he said, adding that such practices had distorted the true purpose of the fair over the past 15 years.
The press secretary said this year’s fair should restore the essence of Ekushey, celebrating knowledge, creativity, and freedom of thought. “We want a fair that reflects diversity — where books on history, science, politics, literature, and poetry are all celebrated equally. There must be no discrimination in publishing, selling, or reading,” he stressed.
Expressing optimism, Shafiqul said he believes this year’s book fair “will be even more vibrant and beautiful.”
The discussion was chaired by Sayeed Bari, president of the Anti-Discrimination Creative Book Publishers Association.
Other speakers included National Poetry Council President Mohan Raihan, veteran journalist Gaziul Hasan Khan, writer-researcher Faiz Alam, journalist-writer Sirajul Islam Qadir, senior publisher Gafur Hossain, Kazi Zahirul Islam Bulbul, and students Fatema Akhtar (Begum Badrunnesa Govt College) and Daheka Anjum Sadia (AIUB).
During the event, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also unveiled the covers of 17 new books.
