Financial Loss Concerns: 321 Publishers to Boycott Book Fair Starting Feb 20

Citing concerns over political instability and the beginning of Ramadan, 321 publishing houses have decided to boycott the event.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday (February 8), 36 major pavilions and publishing houses, including Anyaprokash, Batighar, Prothoma, and Somoy Prokashon, officially declared their withdrawal. They argued that holding the fair immediately after a national election and during Ramadan would lead to a lack of visitors, posing severe economic risks to the industry. The publishers have demanded that the fair be postponed until after Eid-ul-Fitr.

Conversely, Bangla Academy remains firm on its schedule, stating that the fair will commence as planned on February 20. To accommodate visitors during Ramadan, the Academy has promised facilities for Iftar and prayers within the premises. Despite a 25% reduction in stall rent, the publishers maintain that the current timing remains unfeasible for business.