Dhaka, Feb. 15 -- The Bangla Academy's decision to launch the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Feb 20 has exposed divisions among publishers, with one group backing the schedule and another pushing for a postponement until after Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Bangladesh Publishers and Booksellers Association (BAPUS) described the timing as "appropriate", saying the date was finalised after considering all relevant factors.

It also called for a full waiver of stall and pavilion rents in view of the current social and business climate.

A separate platform, Publishers' Unity, representing more than 300 publishers, has sought the "intervention" of incoming prime minister Tarique Rahman to defer the fair and organise a "full-fledged and vibrant" event after Eid...