The Bangladesh pavilion is to replicate the historic Ahsan Manzil in the upcoming Kolkata Book Fair to be held from January 31 to February 8.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the fair on January 30. The Kolkata Book Fair will place special emphasis on the art and literature of France, the country theme of this year. The city will also pay homage to Bangladesh by celebrating Bangladesh Day on February 3 at the fair, according to organiser Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, General Secretary of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild.

“Like previous years, Bangladesh is taking part in the fair with a larger presence than previous years. The interest of Kolkata book lovers towards Bangladeshi books is on the rise. So the Bangladesh Pavilion will rightly attract a large number of bookworms,” said Tridib Chatterjee.

“To uphold the art, literature and culture of Bangladesh to the people of Kolkata, Bangladesh is participating in the fair on a larger scale,” stated Deputy High Commissioner to Kolkata Toufique Hasan to The Daily Star.

In his words, “Bangladesh Pavilion will be modeled on the historic Ahsan Manzil on a space of about 3500 square feet. Apart from Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Islamic Foundation, Nazrul Academy, many prominent Bangladeshi publishing houses are taking part in the pavilion.”

“Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor will grace the programme on Bangladesh Day as chief guest. Famous poets, litterateurs and artists of West Bengal, India will participate in various programmes of Bangladesh Day,” added Toufique Hasan.

This year, Kolkata Book Fair is being held at the Central Park of Salt Lake.