This year’s book fair will be held for two weeks instead of one month due to coronavirus pandemic. However, if the situation becomes normal, the time of the fair may extend.
This year, the fair will start from February 15. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the fair virtually on that day.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid made the remarks in response to questions from reporters after the preparatory meeting for the book fair on Bangla Academy premises on Wednesday.
The State Minister said, “Book fair is organised for one month every year. However, this year the time limit has been reduced due to the surge in Covid-19 infection. This time we have decided to organise the fair for two weeks. If the situation starts to get normal, we will increase the time of the fair.”
Regarding the timing of the book fair, he said this year the book fair will begin at 2pm.
“The book fair used to start from 3pm every year. Since this year we are getting comparatively less time, only15 days, we will start the fair from 2pm. The fair will start from 11am on holidays as usual,” he said.
This time the fair will be held in an area of seven and a half lakh square feet. There will be a separate stage for children. Children will be able to play there following hygiene rules. A stage will be kept for unveiling book covers.
