An Ekushey Book Fair breaking with tradition

The Ekushey Book Fair has long been marked by anticipation and excitement for writers, readers, and publishers alike. As Bangladesh's largest literary event, it holds deep cultural and emotional significance.

This year, however, the schedule has been upended. Citing the upcoming national election and the holy month of Ramadan, Bangla Academy has announced that the book fair will be held from December 17 this year to January 17, 2025 instead of its traditional slot in February.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Many writers and publishers have called it "ill-considered," questioning why a fair so closely tied to Ekushey February should be shifted to December, the month of victory. This effectively creates two book fairs within the same year, diluting the event's significance, they say.

FILE PHOTO: PRABIR DAS

Publishers have also criticised the absence of a permanent policy for the fair and the failure to consult progressive and creative publishers before making the decision. Concerns are mounting that the abrupt date change could bring financial losses and dampen enthusiasm rather than create new opportunities.

To gauge reactions, The Daily Star spoke to several authors and publishers.

Moinul Ahsan Saber, writer and publisher of Dibyoprokashoni, said, "We used to publish books year-round, with a few more titles timed for the fair. But since last July, we've been running losses, and publishing new books has become difficult. Authors are writing, books should be coming out -- that's how it should be. But that's not happening, as readers are gradually drifting away. The government is doing nothing to promote books. At this point, I don't think even a quarter of the usual number of books will be released at the fair."

Researcher and translator Faizul Latif Chowdhury said, "The fair belongs to both publishers and readers. Everyone knows that the dates has been shifted because of election and Ramadan. It will now be held during winter, which I personally like. Still, some are happy while others are dissatisfied. Had the fair remained tied to February, perhaps most would have been satisfied, even if part of it coincided with Ramadan. Not all publishers would have liked that, but nothing in life comes without issues."

Photo: Prabir Das/Star

Novelist Ahmad Mostofa Kamal said, "Given the current social, political, and economic situation, holding the book fair will be challenging. Multiple ministries and Bangla Academy are involved. Security is also a major concern, especially considering the mob incidents we have recently witnessed. The fair attracts not only writers and publishers but also diverse groups of people. In my view, it would have been more sensible to hold the fair after the elections. That would have brought some relief. Still, since the dates have been declared, everyone must remain cautious to ensure nothing untoward happens."

Saeed Bari, publisher of Suchipatra Prokashan, said, "I publish books year-round, not only for the fair. But overall, the book market is small, and most publishers depend heavily on the fair. Publishing books just before the fair means their investments remain tied up for a shorter period. Moreover, writers living abroad and those who self-publish mostly prefer releasing books during the fair because the media coverage then is easier. Holding the fair months ahead because of election and Ramadan is irrational."

"In 1979, 1991, and 1996, general elections were held on February 18, 27, and 15 respectively, yet the book fair still took place in February. Holding it in December risks undermining both the tradition and the prestige of the Ekushey Book Fair," he said.

He added, "We protested the Bangla Academy's decision because they didn't consult the main stakeholders -- creative publishers' associations -- before finalising the dates."

Popular novelist Kingkor Ahsan said, "Two book fairs in one year would disrupt preparations for both writers and publishers. Most authors are part-timers, not full-timers, so they need time for manuscript development and editing. The fair doesn't need to run for a month -- 15 days will be enough. It could have been held in January, even if not in February."

Amirul Momenin Manik, poet and journalist, said, "Although publishers work all year, the fair gives them a huge boost, much like Eid season for retailers. Bringing the fair forward may be necessary. But holding two fairs in 2025 feels strange. Instead, it could be shifted to January 2026."

Children's writer Zulfiqar Shahadat said, "Books don't come out only for Ekushey -- they're published throughout the year. These days you don't need to go to the fair to hear about or buy new books. So, the fair has become more of a meeting ground for writers and readers, not just a sales hub. That emotional connection is tied to February. If we move it to December, we lose the spirit of Ekushey."

Mahruhk Mohiuddin, publisher at University Press Limited (UPL), said that she is not particularly disheartened by the recent uncertainties surrounding the timing of the upcoming book fair.

"I don't have much to say or lament about the decision regarding the book fair. However, some authors, whose works were scheduled for release by February, may understandably be disappointed," she said.

Mohiuddin suggested that the current situation could serve as an opportunity to draw the government's attention to the struggling publishing sector. She said, "Based on our experience over the past year, it doesn't appear that the state truly considers books to be an essential part of education and culture."

She further noted that the publishing industry may not have suffered even during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic as much as it has in the past year, due to a combination of market collapse and what she described as "government indifference".

Reflecting on last year's book fair, Mohiuddin said it was deeply disappointing. She urged the government to immediately initiate more efforts in book development, which she believes are crucial for the survival of the sector in the coming months. "I want to believe that this government stands by the publishing industry," she said.