The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the country’s most celebrated literary festival, will begin on December 17 and continue until January 17, 2026. The announcement came through an official statement issued by Bangla Academy on Thursday.

Every year, the fair draws writers, publishers, readers, and cultural enthusiasts from across the nation and beyond. Traditionally inaugurated in February to commemorate International Mother Language Day and the historic language movement of 1952, this time the organizers have scheduled the event to start in December, extending into the new year.

The Amar Ekushey Book Fair holds a unique place in Bangladesh’s cultural landscape. It not only showcases thousands of new book titles across genres but also serves as a vibrant hub for intellectual exchange, literary discussions, and cultural performances. Writers and publishers use the platform to launch new works, while readers eagerly await the opportunity to discover fresh publications and connect directly with their favorite authors.

According to the statement, preparations are already underway to accommodate the expected surge of visitors. Bangla Academy, which organizes the fair each year, is working closely with publishers, book sellers, and cultural groups to finalize the layout of stalls and the schedule of events. Special attention will be given to security, digital payment facilities, and amenities for children and elderly visitors.

This year’s fair is expected to feature participation from hundreds of publishers across Bangladesh, with several stalls dedicated to children’s literature, academic books, and translations. International publishers and cultural representatives are also likely to join, adding a global dimension to the fair. Alongside book sales, the event will host daily discussions, poetry readings, musical performances, and commemorative sessions on the language martyrs, ensuring that the fair remains both a literary and cultural celebration.

The shift of dates to December–January is seen by many as a significant change in tradition. However, organizers believe that the move will allow for better weather conditions and enhanced participation. By aligning the fair with the holiday season, they expect larger attendance from both domestic and international visitors.

For publishers, the Ekushey Book Fair remains the single most important event of the year, often determining the commercial success of new titles. Readers, meanwhile, view the fair as a cultural pilgrimage, an annual tradition that blends literature, history, and national pride.

As the countdown to December 17 begins, anticipation is building among writers, readers, and publishers alike. With one month of books, culture, and community engagement ahead, the Ekushey Book Fair 2026 promises to once again reaffirm its status as Bangladesh’s premier literary festival and a living tribute to the language movement that shaped the nation’s identity.