Revolutionizing Bangladesh with the Start of the Everlasting Ekushey Book Fair
Dhaka: The much-anticipated Ekushey Book Fair 2025, themed ‘July Uprising: Rebuilding New Bangladesh,’ is set to kick off on Saturday, February 1st. The inauguration will be led by the Chief Guest, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a prominent advocate for knowledge-based, humanitarian, and inclusive democracy in Bangladesh.
Preparations for the Ekushey Book Fair were discussed at a press conference held at the Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Milonayatan of the Bangla Academy on Thursday, January 30th. The event was attended by the CEO of the Bangla Academy, Professor Mohammed Azam, and the Secretary of the Academy, Dr. M. Selim Reza.
During the press conference, Dr. Sarkar Amin, Secretary of the Ekushey Book Fair Steering Committee, emphasized the vital role of books and book fairs in the creation of a knowledge-based, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh. He expressed hope for a successful fair that would brighten the prospects of the country. The fair will run from February 1st to February 28th, with daily hours from 3 PM to 9 PM, except for February 8th and 15th. On those days, the fair will be open from 11 AM to 9 PM.
Organizational Changes and Enhancements
This year’s Ekushey Book Fair organizers have made some organizational changes to better accommodate visitors. The location of the fair’s entrance and exit has been slightly adjusted due to the presence of the Metro Rail station. Additionally, there will be four entry and exit points at the TSC, Doel Chattar, MRT Basing Plant, and Engineering Institution sections. A special area has been designated near the Shishu Chattar entrance for children to roam freely and easily access the books they desire.
Food stalls have been strategically placed within the Engineering Institution boundaries to ensure a seamless dining experience for visitors. The food stalls have been meticulously organized to offer a wide variety of culinary delights. Facilities such as prayer spaces and restrooms will remain unaffected.
Expanding Participation and Facilities
The 2025 Ekushey Book Fair will see a significant increase in participation, with a total of 708 publishing institutions, including 199 at the Bangla Academy premises and 609 at the Suhrawardy Udyan section. This marks a considerable growth from the previous year, with 642 institutions and 946 units participating. The total number of pavilions for this year’s fair will be 37, with one at the Bangla Academy premises and 36 at the Suhrawardy Udyan section.
Moreover, the Little Magazine Chattar at Suhrawardy Udyan will host an open-air stage surrounded by trees where approximately 130 little magazines will have stalls. The Shishu Chattar will house a total of 74 institutions and 120 units, an increase from the previous year’s 68 institutions and 109 units.
Innovations and Events
The Bangla Academy will set up three pavilions and one stall for juvenile publications. Additionally, on Fridays and Saturdays, the fair will host a “Shishu Prohor” from 11 AM to 1 PM for children to enjoy various activities such as drawing, recitation, and music competitions.
A special event for the release of new books will be held at Suhrawardy Udyan, where 43 new and 41 reprinted books will be unveiled. The Bangla Academy and other participating institutions will offer a 25% discount on book purchases at the fair. Cultural events, including seminars, will be held daily at 4 PM on the main stage, with evening cultural programs.
Ensuring Safety and Sustainability
The safety and security of the fair have been diligently addressed through the installation of a significant number of closed-circuit cameras throughout the fairground. Additionally, over 300 CCTV cameras have been strategically placed to monitor and ensure the safety of attendees. The fair will be plastic-free, with a dedicated focus on environmental sustainability.
In conclusion, the 2025 Ekushey Book Fair promises to be a grand celebration of literature, culture, and knowledge. With increased participation, organizational improvements, and a keen focus on sustainability, the fair is set to revolutionize Bangladesh’s literary landscape. As the main sponsor of the fair, Roket (Dutch-Bangla Bank Ltd) aims to support and promote the rich literary heritage of the country.
As the clock ticks 1,349 hours into January 30, 2025, Bangladesh eagerly anticipates the dawn of a new era in literature and culture at the iconic Ekushey Book Fair.
