Bangladeshi publishers are unlikely to attend the 44th Agartala Book Fair beginning January 2, amid regional political uncertainty. The 13-day literary festival in Tripura will feature over 183 stalls, cultural programmes, and a Vande Mataram theme.
The 44th edition of the Agartala Book Fair is set to begin on January 2 at the Hapania International Fair Ground, marking one of Tripura’s most anticipated annual cultural and literary events.
The 13-day-long fair will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha in the presence of senior government officials, writers, and cultural figures. This year’s edition is themed around the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, reflecting a strong emphasis on nationalism, literature, and cultural heritage.
With just a day remaining before the opening ceremony, preparations at the venue are progressing at full pace. Temporary stalls, exhibition spaces, cultural stages, and visitor facilities are being set up as publishers and booksellers from across Tripura and other Indian states arrive to participate. For thousands of readers, students, writers, and educators, the Agartala Book Fair remains a cherished annual celebration of reading and intellectual exchange.
However, a notable absence is expected this year. According to officials from the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department, Bangladeshi publishers are unlikely to attend the 44th edition of the fair, breaking a long-standing tradition of cross-border literary participation.
Director of the ICA Department, Bimbisar Bhattacharjee, confirmed that no applications for stalls have been received from Bangladesh-based publishing houses for the second consecutive year. “We invite applications for stall allotment every year. Until last year, publishers from Bangladesh regularly participated in the Agartala Book Fair. However, since last year, we have not received any applications from Bangladeshi publishers,” Bhattacharjee stated.
In previous editions, publishers from Bangladesh had played a significant role in enriching the fair’s diversity, offering Bengali and English titles spanning literature, history, poetry, and academic works. Their absence is expected to reduce cross-border literary interaction, which has historically been a unique feature of the Agartala Book Fair due to Tripura’s geographical and cultural proximity to Bangladesh.
Observers believe that ongoing political developments in Bangladesh have contributed to this situation. Since August 2024, the neighbouring country has experienced sustained political unrest following a nationwide student-led uprising that led to the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladesh is currently governed by an interim administration, and the absence of a democratically elected government has created uncertainty in diplomatic, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Under the interim setup, bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh have reportedly faced strain, impacting several collaborative platforms, including cultural events. Organisers suggest that logistical challenges, regulatory uncertainties, and broader diplomatic concerns may have discouraged Bangladeshi publishers from participating this year.
Despite this development, organisers remain optimistic about the scale and success of the fair. According to Bhattacharjee, the number of stalls this year is expected to surpass last year’s total. “Last year, we had 180 stalls. This year, applications have already crossed 183, and the final count may go higher,” he said.
In addition to book sales, the fair will host an extensive lineup of cultural programmes throughout its duration. Dedicated slots have been reserved for indigenous artists, folk performers, and classical musicians, ensuring representation of Tripura’s diverse cultural traditions. Literary discussions, book launches, poetry readings, and interactive sessions with authors are also planned to engage audiences across age groups.
While the rise of e-commerce platforms continues to pose challenges for traditional book fairs, organisers and publishers believe such events offer irreplaceable value. A source associated with the fair noted that online marketplaces may offer discounts, but book fairs provide a shared physical space where readers can interact with authors, explore new genres, and experience literature as a collective celebration.
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“The book fair is not just about buying books. It is a cultural festival that brings together readers, thinkers, and creators. It celebrates knowledge, wisdom, and intellectual curiosity,” the source said.
As the fair opens today, expectations remain high among book lovers across Tripura. Even without Bangladeshi publishers, the 44th Agartala Book Fair is poised to reaffirm its status as a major literary and cultural landmark in Northeast India.
