Dhaka, Feb. 18 -- Bangladesh Publishers and Book-Sellers Association President Rezaul Karim Badsha has said the Amar Ekushey Book Fair may start on Feb 21, which coincides with the International Mother Language Day.

He said the new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has shown his interest in organising the fair on the day.

A section of publishers has been opposing Bangla Academy, the organiser of the fair, saying the post-election atmosphere and Ramadan would act against organising a festive book fair, potentially inflicting financial losses on the publishers. They want the fair to begin after Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Bangla Academy had fixed Feb 20 to start the fair.

A senior official from the publishers association said Tarique on Monday said he...