Dhaka, Feb. 27 -- The Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 has officially opened its doors at the Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan premises, with publishers expecting a massive turnout on Friday, the first weekend of the event.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the month-long fair on Thursday afternoon, and later toured the stalls accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman.

The first day was marked by the typical last-minute hustle, with many of the 549 participating publication houses still putting the finishing touches on their stalls.

Despite the sound of hammers and the scent of fresh paint lingering in the air, stall owners expressed satisfaction with the initial gathering.

"The first day is always about p...