For the second consecutive year, Bangladesh will be absent from the International Kolkata Book Fair, raising eyebrows and sparking disappointment among publishers, writers, and book lovers on both sides of the border.
The announcement was made on Monday evening at a press conference held at a five-star hotel in Kolkata. The information was confirmed by Sudhanshu Shekhar Dey, President of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, and Tridib Chatterjee, its General Secretary. The event was attended by prominent figures from the literary world, including Malabika Banerjee, curator of the Kolkata Literature Festival.
This year marks the 49th edition of the International Kolkata Book Fair. From 1996 to 2024, Bangladesh had participated continuously, making last year’s absence a historic break. That absence now appears to be a continuing trend, as Bangladesh will once again have no stalls at the fair.
Publishers and readers in Kolkata have described Bangladesh’s non-participation as a major cultural loss. Bangladeshi publications traditionally attract strong interest at the fair, with readers eagerly seeking contemporary literature, poetry, and academic works from across the border.
The fair will be inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Notably, Bangladesh has previously been honoured as the focal country three times at the Kolkata Book Fair a recognition that underscored deep cultural and literary ties between the two regions.
This year, however, Argentina has been named the focal country. The inauguration ceremony will feature renowned Argentine writer Gustavo Kunsobre, along with Mariano Caucino, Argentina’s Ambassador to India, as a special guest. Several distinguished personalities from the literary community are also expected to attend.
The Kolkata Book Fair will commence on January 22 at the Central Park fairgrounds in Salt Lake and will continue until February 3.
As Bangladesh’s absence becomes a recurring reality, questions are being raised: Is this merely an administrative gap, or does it signal a deeper cultural disconnect? For Kolkata’s readers, the silence from a familiar literary voice feels louder than ever.
