Why is Amar Ekushey Book Fair mesmerizing worldwide?

The most significant event in the field of creative publication in Asia, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, has begun. Chittaranjan Saha initiated this book fair by arranging a few books on a mat in the courtyard of Bangla Academy. Over time, it has evolved into a grand fair on an enormous scale. Today, it has transformed into a comprehensive festival. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, organized by the Bangla Academy in February every year, has gained prolonged global recognition and is considered a unique and significant event worldwide. Due to the construction of many new buildings and infrastructure within the premises of the Bangla Academy, the surroundings of the book fair had become smaller. Therefore, in accordance with the demand of the fair, since 2014, the fair has been taking place in the spacious Suhrawardy Udyan.

As a significant portion of the fair has been brought to Suhrawardy Udyan, opposite the Bangla Academy, the tradition of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair has expanded in the memorial ambiance of this fair. In Europe and other countries, book fairs are primarily commercial events focused on the business of books. Apart from that, when looking at book fairs in other countries, one will notice a prominent emphasis on professionalism and economic arrangements. Book fairs in cities like Frankfurt or Leipzig in Germany, Paris or London, besides the well-known ones, have now shone with their own distinct characteristics in Jerusalem, Tokyo, Sydney, Buenos Aires, New Delhi, and Kolkata. Among the most popular, diverse, and significant book fairs globally, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair in Bangladesh has some distinctive features. Let's explore what those differences are:

Frankfurt Book Fair (Germany)
The Frankfurt Book Fair is known as the world's largest trade fair for books from a commercial perspective or the largest commercial hub for books. This fair has been held in the city of Frankfurt, Germany, for several years. Historically, its auspicious inception took place primarily in the twelfth century. Officially, this book fair was initiated in the year 1462. The fair re-emerged in a new form after the Second World War in 1949. Approximately 300,000 visitors and buyers gather at the fair. Held for five days in mid-October every year, this fair takes place at the Frankfurt Trade Fair grounds.

The first three days are reserved exclusively for trade visitors with commercial purposes. The following days are open to everyone. The fair is specifically divided into three parts: (a) Those who are present with their publications for themselves, (b) For the readers and buyers attending the fair, and (c) As a business center created for commercial purposes. One of the main attractions of the Frankfurt Book Fair is the 'Guest of Honor,' where a specific country is invited as an honorary guest. Being the 'Guest of Honor' at this book fair is considered highly prestigious for each country, leading to significant competition among various nations for this honor.


Book Expo America (United States)
In 1947, the event began in Washington, D.C., United States, under the name 'Convention and Trade Show of the American Booksellers Association.' In 1971, the name was changed to 'Book Expo America.' At the end of May or the beginning of June, this book expo takes place for four days in a row in major cities across the United States. It was held in Los Angeles in 2008, in New York City from 2009 to 2015, and most recently in Chicago in 2016. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Book Expo has been temporarily closed for an unspecified period. In 2020, the organizing entity Read Pop had announced the suspension of Book Expo. Recently, two popular events, 'The BookCon' and 'Unbound,' have started with it, currently under the umbrella of "On Pause." In May 2022, the "U.S. Book Show" was virtually held, which was initiated in 2021 by Publishers Weekly as an alternative to the traditional Book Expo. However, currently, there is no certainty about the return of Book Expo in the near future, as the future of the event remains uncertain.

London Book Fair (England)
The London Book Fair, which started its journey on November 5, 1971, is the world's second-largest book fair. Currently, more than 100 countries participate in the London Book Fair. This fair is held annually in mid-April in London. Every year, this fair brings together a vast gathering of European publishers, sellers, agents, numbering around 25,000. Until 2006, the fair took place at the Olympia Exhibition Center. Although the location of the fair changed for a few years, since 2015, the London Book Fair has been held at Olympia again. Spread over nearly two hectares, the extensive London Book Fair runs for three days, hosting more than twenty events where various renowned speakers share their insights, engaging in discussions, Q&A sessions, and more.

International Kolkata Book Fair (West Bengal, India)
The Kolkata Book Fair began in 1976 in Kolkata, and it has been international since 1986, spanning 12 days. According to Indian media, it is considered the world's second-largest book fair. The main focus is on Bengali books, and many English books are also sold. Books in other Indian languages like Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit are also available. Foreign embassies set up stalls to showcase books from their countries. Both the West Bengal and Indian governments sell Bengali books. Here, publishers from Bangladesh also participate. They have separate areas, establish monumental architecture, and renowned authors also participate. Even the publication department of newspapers takes part. There is a separate space for children, information technology, Little Magazines, and artists. Renowned writers, film directors, theatrical personalities, and guests from West Bengal, India, and around the world attend and discuss various book-related topics. The event includes programs such as seminars, processions, competitions, and publications. Publishers and Booksellers Guild organizes the fair. Encouraged by this fair, book fairs have now started in various places in India.

Amar Ekushe Book Fair (Bangladesh)
The Amar Ekushe Book Fair is organized as a tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on 21st February 1952 for the conservation of the Bengali language. The arrangement of a book fair in remembrance of the language martyrs, similar to Bangladesh, is rare in the history of world book fairs. On 21st February 1972, the Muktadhara Publication, initiated the sale of books in a modest space in front of the Bangla Academy. Later, more publishing houses joined in. The significant expansion of this fair started from the year following Bangladesh's independence. Since 1978 Bangla Academy officially started organizing this fair. The Ekushey Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in Asia, which runs throughout the month of February. The fair takes place in Bangla Academy premises and Suhrawardy Udyan. The Ekushey Book Fair features a permanent stage called 'Nazrul Manch,' where various cultural events take place throughout the month. There are 'Lekhok Kunjo,' 'Lekhok Bolchhi Manch,' and the 'Little Mag Chattar,' where authors are present during the days of the fair.

Source: Internet