Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said that the interim government will make every effort to ensure that this year’s Amar Ekushey Book Fair is held successfully.
He stated, “The timing of the fair depends on the Bangla Academy — whether they will organize it at the usual time or with some adjustments, the Academy will decide. But the fair will definitely take place — there is no doubt about that.”
He made the remarks on Sunday (October 26) at a discussion titled “What Kind of Book Fair Do We Want” organized by the Creative Publishers Association Against Discrimination at the National Press Club. During the event, 17 new books were unveiled.
Shafiqul Alam said, “We want a book fair where books of all opinions and perspectives can find a place. No matter what ideology the author belongs to, readers should decide for themselves what they want to read or buy.”
He added, “We want the book fair to be free from discrimination. No one should be able to claim that they were treated unfairly or denied the opportunity to publish or sell their books.”
Criticizing previous fairs, he said, “We don’t want a book fair where 40 percent of the books revolve around one individual. At one time, countless books were written about the Sheikh family — even trivial topics — just for profit. That era is over.”
At the same event, National Poetry Council President Mohon Raihan said, “The previous government politicized the book fair. This year’s fair must belong to everyone. The fair should begin in February as usual — even if it needs to pause for the election and extend later.”
The discussion was presided over by the association’s president, Saeed Bari. Poet Gaziul Hasan Khan and Foyez Alam also spoke at the event.