Dhaka, Nov 13 (V7N) — The iconic Amar Ekushe Book Fair, traditionally held at both Suhrawardy Udyan and Bangla Academy, will see a venue change in 2025, according to a recent directive from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. The ministry has instructed that the fair be held exclusively within the premises of Bangla Academy, foregoing the Suhrawardy Udyan grounds.

Bangla Academy’s Director General, Mohammad Azam, expressed the academy’s disappointment with the decision and announced plans to appeal. "We are committed to holding the fair at Suhrawardy Udyan," Azam stated, noting that for the past decade, the event has been organised across the expansive area of both Suhrawardy Udyan and Bangla Academy, covering about 1.5 lakh square feet.

The directive has raised concerns among organisers and participants, who are accustomed to the larger venue space that accommodates a higher number of stalls and visitors. The joint venue has been essential in managing the fair’s increasing scale, and Suhrawardy Udyan's removal from the arrangement may limit the fair's capacity and accessibility.

Last year’s fair faced similar uncertainties regarding the use of Suhrawardy Udyan, but organisers managed to proceed with the joint arrangement. As the Bangla Academy prepares to appeal, the final decision remains pending, and book lovers across the nation await further updates on one of Bangladesh’s most anticipated cultural events.

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