IKBF sans Bangladesh: Bangladesh's Absence at IKBF 2025 Marks a New Chapter

🖊️ Roopsa Ganguly

The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair, one of the largest literary events in Asia, commenced on Tuesday boasting a record 1,000-odd stalls dedicated to books, magazines, and cultural exchanges. But it could have been 1001 if it was any other year.

A notable absentee this year is Bangladesh, a key participant since 1996. The focal theme for this edition is Germany, while foreign participants include Argentina, Spain, Peru, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Nepal.

This was the first time that Bangladesh had not participated in the book fair, apart from the two years it was cancelled due to the pandemic. This also meant a disruption in the cultural and literary exchange between authors and poets across the border.

The fair has historically provided a vital space for authors and poets from across the border to interact and enrich the cultural tapestry on both sides.

The cross-border collaboration that fostered the growth of Bengali literature faced an interruption, raising concerns about the future of this literary exchange. Readers and writers alike have noted the impact this absence may have on the fair’s broader cultural significance.

For nearly three decades, Bangladeshi publishers have brought diverse voices to Kolkata, reinforcing the shared cultural ethos of the two Bengals. Their absence leaves a noticeable void in a fair that has been a celebration of global and regional literature.

The International Kolkata Book Fair is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of ideas, stories, and connections with the globe.  Though the absence is palpable, hope persists that future editions will mend this gap.