Cultural programmes hardly engaging visitors at book fair

The cultural programmes at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 are struggling to attract visitors, with organisers and participants observing low audience attendance since the fair began during the month of Ramadan.
Every afternoon, the fair hosts discussions, poetry readings, recitations and musical performances on the main stage of the Bangla Academy premises.
However, despite the variety of arrangements, the programmes have remained largely lifeless as only a small number of visitors gather to watch. Even during performances, the main stage lacks the usual buzz of audience interaction, leaving the events disconnected from fairgoers.
Those concerned say the timing of the fair during Ramadan has affected the normal rhythm of both the book fair and its cultural activities.
Although the events begin in the afternoon, many visitors leave early as the time for iftar approaches, making it difficult for organisers to maintain audience engagement.
On Thursday, the eighth day of the fair, activities started at 2pm and continued until 9pm. At 3pm, a discussion titled “Birth Centenary: Sukanta Bhattacharya” was held on the main stage. Sumon Sajjad presented the keynote paper, while Ahmed Maula participated in the discussion and Abdul Hai Sikder presided over the session.
Following the discussion, a cultural programme began at 4pm featuring poetry readings, recitations and musical performances by poets. Despite the performances, audience attendance remained very low.
Poet Rezauddin Stalin, who took part in the poetry reading session, said people’s interest in reading and listening to poetry has declined over time.
“People no longer want to read or think as much as before. Even so, the few visitors who have come during Ramadan cannot be called insignificant,” he said.
Poet Mahbubur Rahman Shuvo also attributed the low turnout to the timing of the programmes.
“Cultural programmes are usually held in the afternoon. But after fasting all day, very few people want to sit here just before iftar. At the same time, many people involved in politics are busy with various iftar-centred programmes. As a result, audience attendance is low,” he said.
Ninety-two new books, the highest in this year’s book fair, hit book stalls on Thursday, taking the total number of books to 374.
Programmes and new books
Today, on the ninth day of the fair, a discussion on “Birth Centenary: Kalim Sharafi” will be held on the main stage of the book fair at 3pm. 
Anima Roy will present the keynote paper while Saim Rana will participate in the discussion to be presided over by Sadhan Ghosh.
The fair will begin at 11am today and continue until 9pm. The event will also feature a children’s corner.