Police Assure Tight Security at Bangla Academy Book Fair

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has confirmed that there is no security risk or concern surrounding the upcoming Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026.

DMP Additional Police Commissioner Md. Sarwar gave this information at a press conference held at Suhrawardy Udyan at 11 am on Wednesday (February 25). These steps have been taken with the start of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 from tomorrow, Thursday.

He mentioned that even if there is no specific threat, the police will be on the highest alert and the fair premises will be monitored round the clock through 300 closed-circuit cameras. The theme of this year's fair has been set as 'Multidimensional Bangladesh' and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will officially inaugurate the fair at 2 pm tomorrow.

According to the DMP's security plan, a special team in plain clothes will be deployed at the fair premises along with uniformed police. Strict security measures have been ensured at every level inside the Suhrawardy Udyan, starting from the entrance. Visitors will have to go through metal detectors as well as manual checking while entering the fair.

Entry into the fair with sharp weapons, explosives or flammable materials has been completely prohibited. In addition, the fair premises and surrounding areas will be regularly searched by dog ​​squads and there will be special security measures for women and children.

It was informed at the press conference that the police will also keep an eye on books that may hurt religious sentiments. Additional Police Commissioner Md. Sarwar said that various police units will monitor this issue closely. This year's fair will continue until March 15.

The fair will be open from 2 pm to 9 pm every day except holidays, but no one will be able to enter after 8:30 pm. The fair will start from 11 am on holidays. Special boxes have been arranged to return lost items at the fair.

Special instructions have been given by the Traffic Department regarding the movement of vehicles and parking arrangements. No heavy vehicles will be allowed to enter Dhaka University and Raju Sculpture area during the fair. However, the road from TSC to Doel Chattar will not be closed all the time and will be kept open from time to time as per the need.

For the convenience of visitors, car parking arrangements have been made at Mohsin Hall Ground, Fuller Road, Central Shaheed Minar and the central ground of Dhaka University. Senior officials of DMP were present at the press conference and sought the cooperation of the city people to maintain overall order during the fair.