CHATTOGRAM, March 9, 2026 (BSS) - Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) will organize the Swadhinata Book Fair beginning on March 31 at the city's gymnasium ground, which will continue until April 18.

CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain announced the decision during a preparatory meeting held at the CCC office at Tiger Pass on Monday. The fair will be organized as part of the celebrations marking Independence Day-2026.

The mayor said that the Ekushey Book Fair is usually held every year in February under the initiative of CCC. However, due to various circumstances, including the national elections, it was not possible to arrange the fair at the usual time this year. Following the completion of election activities, the Swadhinata Book Fair is now being organized with the participation of all stakeholders to uphold the spirit of independence.

He also announced that the 'Independence Honor Award' will be presented on the opening day of the fair on March 31 to recognize the contributions of the nation's creative talents.

Dr. Shahadat Hossain said the book fair is not merely a platform for selling books but also a cultural movement aimed at inspiring young people with the history of the Liberation War, the spirit of independence and the values of literature and culture.

He added that heroic freedom fighters, noted academicians, writers, researchers and professionals from various fields will be involved in organizing the fair to make it more vibrant and meaningful.

Various literary and cultural programmes will also be arranged during the fair to encourage participation from publishers and readers.

Among others present at the meeting were Acting Chief Executive Officer and Secretary of CCC Md. Ashraful Amin, Chief Education Officer Dr. Kissinger Chakma, Social Welfare and Culture Officer Mamunur Rashid, President of the Chattogram Creative Publishers Council Sahab Uddin Hasan Babu, General Secretary Md. Sohel Rana and representatives of publishing houses and other stakeholders.