The month-long Amar Ekushey Book Fair-2024 is set to begin on Thursday at Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan premises as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the country's largest book fair in the afternoon. 

She will also confer the Bangla Academy Literary Award-2023 on the winners along with unveiling the covers of some books including 'Collected Works of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: Volume-2', published by Bangla Academy.

This year, a total of 937 stalls have been allocated to 635 organizations on the book fair. The authorities have allotted 173 stalls to 120 organizations on the Bangla Academy ground and 764 stalls to 515 organizations at the Suhrawardy Udyan.        

A total of 37 pavilions have also been allocated this year.

Last year, a total of 901 stalls were allocated in favour of 601 organisations.

Stall allotment for old and newly enlisted publications was accomplished through a digitalised lottery system on January 23, said the organisers.      

Like the previous years, the main stage of the fair will be on the Bangla Academy premises while book unwrapping and 'Lekhak Bolchi' stages will be set up on Suhrawardi Udyan premises, said Mujahidul.

'Shishu Chattar' has also been set up in Sadhu Shanga area beside the Ramna Kali Temple.

The book fair will remain open for all from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm on working days and 11:00 am to 9 pm on public holidays with a one-hour break for lunch and prayers.

bd-pratidin/GR