A view of the Ekushe Book Fair where people from all walks of life gather together in the ecstasy of the minds for reading and buying books.

Abdul Khaleque: Despite the demand of the publishers, the Ekushe Book Fair will not be held this year on account of Coronas pandemic. The Bangla Academy Director General Habibullah Shirajee was reportedly told it. Citing the Cultural Ministry, he said, it will not be possible to arrange the Book fair in February where there will be great union and gathering of people. We will decide the matter when the Corona situation improves.

On the other hand, one of the main organizers of Amar Ekushe Boi Mela, Bangladesh Gan O Srijonshil on behalf of the Samity in an application proposed to the authority to hold the Fair in March if it is not possible not possible in February,

But in response to the publishers’ proposal, the DG said, we intermitted the book fair. He added, we will take further step considering the situation what is to be done.

Keeping the pandemic situation in head, the BanglaAcademy requested the Cultural Ministry last month to suspend this year’s Ekushe Book Fair. But

But by bearing a grudge in this matter, Bangladesh Knowledge and Creative Publication Association said, they like to participate in the Book Fair as it was being customarily held every year occupying a vast area under the open sky.

An official of the Cultural Ministry informed, a good many exchange of letters took place between Cultural and Health Ministry in this matter. Health Ministry suggested Virtual Book Fair this year, but the publishers’ association grudged against this proposal, it is learnt.

At last, Habibullah Shirajee, DG of Bangla Academy said,  they will decide soon after an elaborate discussion whether the Ekushe Book Fair to be held in Virtual version or not.