The cultural landscape of the port city received a vibrant boost as the 19-day “Swadhinata Boimela-2026” (Independence Book Fair) officially opened at the Gymnasium Field, adjacent to the M.A. Aziz Stadium. The event was inaugurated by Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, marking the beginning of a nearly three-week celebration of literature, history, and national heritage.
A Delayed but Grand Opening
Organized by the Chattogram City Corporation, the fair is traditionally a centerpiece of the language month in February. However, this year’s edition was rescheduled following the national elections and the observance of Ramadan. Despite the change in timing, the inauguration saw a gathering of prominent writers, publishers, and cultural personalities. The entire fairground has been decorated in the national colors of red and green to mark the spirit of independence
Fair Layout and Participation
The fairgrounds, spanning approximately 4,000 square feet, are hosting 129 stalls this year. These include 35 double stalls and 94 single stalls, showcasing a diverse range of publication. The participation includes:
Local Presence: 72 stalls representing 50 publishing houses based in Chattogram.
Dhaka Presence: 59 stalls representing 46 premier publishing houses from the capital.
Unique Features: Book Exchange and Youth Engagement
A standout addition to this year’s fair is the Book Exchange Corner. This initiative allows readers to bring in their old academic books, novels, or storybooks and exchange them for new ones, fostering a community of sharing among book lovers.
The opening day also saw enthusiastic participation from young students, such as Ananya Ghosh and Mayurakshi Das from Aparnacharan City Corporation Girls’ High School, who shared their excitement for ghost stories and novels.
Mayoral Address on Knowledge and Justice
During the inaugural ceremony, Mayor Shahadat Hossain emphasized the transformative power of reading. He stated that books expand knowledge and are essential for ensuring equality, justice, and human dignity. He also touched upon the 55-year struggle for democratic rights, urging citizens to read more to acquire and distribute knowledge. Additionally, he called for the identification of genuine freedom fighters to ensure proper support for those in need.
Visitor Information and Logistics
To accommodate city dwellers, the fair has set the following hours:
Weekdays: 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Public Holidays/Weekends: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
While the opening day saw a steady start, publishers remain optimistic that the influx of “bookworms” will surge as cultural programs, including Rabindra-Nazrul festivals and poetry recitals, begin. The fair will conclude on April 18.
