The non-fiction book fair 2025, jointly organised by the daily Bonik Barta and the Faculty of Business Studies, has opened at Dhaka University, seeking to make non-fiction and research-focused titles more accessible and affordable for students. The ninth edition of the fair was formally inaugurated at the Faculty of Business Studies premises today.

Dewan Hanif Mahmud, editor and publisher of Bonik Barta, set out the fair’s purpose in a welcome address. “While the Ekushey Book Fair brings together all kinds of books, the aim of this fair is to assemble research-based and informative titles published across the country in one place,” he said, noting that the initiative has been running for 11 years.

He noted that books offer intellectual nourishment and inspiration. Organisers plan to expand the fair beyond the University of Dhaka to other campuses in the future.

DU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Dr. Sayema Haque Bidisha attended the inauguration ceremony as a special guest. Others present included Bangla Academy President Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq, acting Dean of Faculty of Business Studies Dr. Mahmood Osman Imam, and Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) Vice-President Shadik Kayem, among others.

The fair’s core aim remains fostering interest in business, economics, and research-oriented non-fiction among students and readers. Since its inception in 2015, the book fair has gained wide acceptance among students and readers. It has also drawn an unprecedented response in terms of book sales. Renowned publishing houses from across the country participate in the fair with keen interest.

This year’s fair features 39 publishing houses and research institutions. Participants include Anannya, Adarsha, Anupam Prokashoni, Anyaprokash, Abosar Prokashana Sangstha, Adorn Publication, Agamee Prakashani, Ahmed Publishing House, Aloghar Prokashona, University Press Limited, Academic Press and Publishers Ltd., Oitijjhya, Kathaprokash, Kakoli Prokashoni, Quantum, Gronthik Prokashon, Jagriti Prakashony, Jatiya Sahitya Prakash, Gyankosh Prokashoni, Daily Star Books, Dhaka University Prakashona Shongstha, Dibya Prokash, Dyu Publication, Panjeree Publications Ltd., Pathak Shamabesh, Prothoma Prokashon, Bangladesh Asiatic Society, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), Baatighar, Bangala Gobeshona, Bengal Books, Mowla Brothers, Rokomari, Samhati Prokashon, Somoy Prokashon, Sahitya Prakash, Subarna, Swore ‘O’, and Hawlader Prokashoni.

Visitors are offered discounts of up to 25 percent on all titles at this year’s fair. A raffle draw with prizes will be held on the final day. The fair is open daily from 10am to 7pm and will run until January 12.