The Bangla Academy has announced that the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will start on February 20 and continue until March 15, marking a 24-day event instead of the usual month-long schedule. The decision was made due to the timing of Bangladesh’s 13th National Parliamentary Election, which led to a delay from the traditional February 1 opening.

The revised dates were finalized during an emergency meeting held at the academy’s Shaheed Munir Chowdhury auditorium. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Bangla Academy, Dhaka University, publishers’ representatives, and law enforcement agencies. The fair’s inauguration will take place at 11 a.m. on February 20.

Organizers said the adjustment aims to ensure smooth coordination with national events and maintain visitor safety. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair remains Bangladesh’s largest literary gathering, celebrating the country’s language movement and cultural heritage. Preparations are underway to accommodate publishers and readers despite the shortened schedule.