The Bangla Academy has postponed the upcoming Amar Ekushey Book Fair, which was scheduled to begin on December 17, citing a government directive linked to the upcoming national election.

In a notice issued Sunday, signed by the Academy’s Director General, the institution said the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 21 instructed that the annual book fair be held after the election.

“In light of the government decision, and following consultations with the Publishers and Booksellers Association (BAPUS) and other stakeholders, the previously fixed date for the 2026 fair has been suspended,” the statement said.

A new date will be announced later after further discussions with publishers and partners. The fair, traditionally held in February, had been brought forward to December this year due to the election expected in early 2026.