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The fair will be open daily from 3:00pm to 9:00pm, except on public holidays, and will run until February 29. On February 21, in observance of International Mother Language Day, the fair will open at 8:00am and continue until 9:00pm.

Publishers are hopeful for strong sales this year as visitors can finally enjoy the fair without restrictions.

“Our business has suffered over the past couple of years. This year, we hope to recover from those losses,” said Aditya Antor, co-owner of Ittadi Grantha Prokash, speaking to The Daily Star.

MANUSCRIPT SCRUNITY

Regarding the scrutiny of manuscripts before publishing books at the book fair, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “A media report is causing misunderstanding. It cites a police official claiming that books should be submitted to Bangla Academy or the police for review before printing. This is unbelievable, this is absurd. It is nowhere near our government’s policy.”

He made these remarks yesterday morning while delivering the keynote speech as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of the Jatiya Kabita Utsab, held at the Central Library premises of Dhaka University.

DMP’S CLARIFICATION

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has clarified that no decision or suggestion has been made requiring police approval for manuscripts before publication at the book fair.

In a press release yesterday, the DMP said they had only requested Bangla Academy to be cautious in allowing “provocative” books at the fair.

During a security inspection at Suhrawardy Udyan on Friday, DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali said, “We have asked Bangla Academy officials to ensure that no books containing provocative language or content are displayed at the fair. These should be carefully reviewed before being placed in stalls.”

However, the DMP emphasised in its statement, “No decision or suggestion has been made by the police regarding the vetting or approval of books for future publication.”