Ramadan overlap with fair hits already declining book sales

Bangladesh’s publishing sector is navigating one of its most difficult periods in recent memory, as declining sales, reduced book production, and limited institutional support continue to weigh on it. Against this backdrop, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the industry’s most important annual event, began on February 26 under a cloud of uncertainty amid an unusual mixture of circumstances.

Speaking to The Daily Star in an exclusive interview recently, Monirul Haque, owner of Anannya Prokashoni and former executive director of the Academic and Creative Publishers Association of Bangladesh, did not try to sugarcoat it.

This year’s fair, he said, does not look promising. It started later than usual, toward the end of February, just as the country was emerging from an election period. And then there is Ramadan.

“These factors have disrupted the usual rhythm and preparation,” he said.

The disruption was visible even at the opening, with many publishers not being able to finish constructing their stalls by inauguration day. “Overall, the fair began in a somewhat unprepared state, which may affect both participation and visitor turnout.”

Image

A young visitor browses through books yesterday at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, taking place on the Bangla Academy premises and at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. Photo: Mehedi Hasan

The timing poses a particular commercial challenge. About 95 percent of the country’s population is Muslim. Most observe the Ramadan fast. The late-afternoon hours, traditionally the fair’s busiest window, when visitors pour in between 4pm and 5pm, now collapse into the rush to get home before iftar. Evening attendance, too, is curtailed by tarawih prayers.

“Sales are expected to drop,” Haque noted.

With the next two editions of the fair likely to coincide with Ramadan and Eid as well, he believes the only workable solution is long-term planning. “There could be efforts to adjust the fair schedule, perhaps starting earlier in February, so that at least part of it can be held before Ramadan. That would help mitigate the impact.”

Apart from the troubling timing of the fair, the industry is faced with deeper problems.

“The creative publishing sector is under significant strain,” Haque said. Where major publishers once sold books worth Tk 60 to 80 lakh in a single fair season, those figures are now a memory.

“Fewer books are being published now, and we are also seeing a decline in the emergence of new writers,” he noted.

On top of that, the government’s book procurement, a reliable source of revenue, has reduced considerably. Apart from limited purchases by institutions like the National Book Centre, there is little institutional support.

“All these factors have led to a sharp drop in overall turnover. The industry is clearly under pressure, although there is still hope that the situation will improve in the future,” said Haque.

The Anannya Prokashoni owner, however, observed that there is one small silver lining. Unlike previous years, the prices of paper, ink, and other materials have remained stable ahead of this fair, likely because “fewer books are being published this year, which has reduced demand pressure.”

Replying to a question on the accuracy of the data that Bangla Academy releases on fair-period sales, he said, “The figures are generally close to reality, though not entirely precise.” They offer a useful overall picture even if their practical impact is limited.

“Publishers try to report their sales as accurately as possible. While these statistics may not be highly impactful in practical terms, they still offer a useful overall picture of the fair’s performance,” he added.

On the question of why book sales have stagnated even as publication numbers have grown, Haque pointed to a structural problem: the reading culture itself needs to be cultivated, and that is not something a book fair alone can accomplish.

It begins in schools and families, where reading habits must be nurtured early, he said. “Libraries need to become more inviting and accessible, and there should be more engagement between writers and readers through events and discussions.”

Equally important is the availability of quality content. “If readers find books that truly resonate with them, they will return. Building a reading society is not a short-term project; it requires consistent cultural investment.”

The challenges facing Bangladeshi publishing do not stop at the country’s borders. According to Haque, breaking into international markets, especially with government support, is a goal that remains largely out of reach for most publishers. “It would significantly boost the visibility of our books.”

“At present, individual publishers often lack the financial capacity to attend such events regularly. While Bangladeshi publishers do participate in fairs abroad, such as Bengali book fairs in New York, those are primarily attended by expatriate Bangladeshis. Foreign readers rarely attend these events, which limits global exposure,” he said.

To expand internationally, Haque argued, publishers need stronger institutional backing, particularly from the government and organisations like the National Book Centre. “Only then can Bangladeshi literature find a wider global audience.”