The government has rescheduled the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 to begin on February 25 instead of Friday, and announced a full waiver of stall fees for participating publishers.

The decision was taken at an exchange meeting held at the Shaheed Munier Chowdhury Hall of the Bangla Academy on Wednesday evening.

Director General of Bangla Academy Prof Mohammad Azam briefed the meeting on the latest situation regarding the upcoming fair. Following discussions and in response to demands raised by different sections of publishers, the authorities approved a revised schedule for the month-long literary event.

According to the new decision, Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 will run from February 25 to March 15. Considering the financial losses faced by publishers, the government has decided to fully waive stall rental fees for all participating publishing houses.

Publishers who have not yet been allotted stalls have been asked to submit their applications by 3:00pm on Thursday. Stall allocations for them will be made at 6:00pm the same day, February 19.

The meeting was chaired by Cultural Affairs Adviser Nitai Roy Chowdhury. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman and representatives of publishers were also present.