Bangladeshi publishers will not be allowed to participate in this year’s Kolkata International Book Fair, marking the second consecutive year without a Bangladesh pavilion. The organizers, Publishers and Booksellers Guild, confirmed that although Bangladesh expressed interest in joining, the guild declined their participation. The decision reportedly stems from the absence of clearance from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, which is required due to current India-Bangladesh relations.

According to Guild General Secretary Tridib Chatterjee, the guild cannot permit Bangladesh’s participation without the ministry’s approval. The Bangladeshi Deputy High Commission in Kolkata also confirmed that interest in joining had been conveyed. Chatterjee added that while Bangladesh will not have an official presence, individual stalls may still display Bangladeshi books without objection.

The United States will also miss this year’s fair due to budget allocation issues. For the first time, Ukraine will participate, and China will return after 15 years. Argentina is the theme country, with a total of 21 nations and over a thousand local and Indian publishers taking part.