The Amar Ekushey Granthomela (Book Fair) will end on Apr 12 instead of its stipulated deadline Apr 14, considering the worsening situation of Covid-19 pandemic. After having discussion with the concerned officials, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid gave the announcement today.
The decision of closure coincided with the government’s consideration for imposing strict lockdown across the country from Apr 14 to contain virus spread, local media reported.
The 37th Amar Ekushey Book Fair started on Mar 18 last amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
A total of 540 institutions were given allotment to set stalls and pavilions on the Bangla Academy premises and in Suhrawardy Udyan for this year’s fair. Of these, 154 units were allotted to 107 institutions on the academy premises and 680 units to 433 institutions in Suhrawardy Udyan. Besides, there are 33 pavilions of different publishing houses.
