Archive · 27 Dec 2025
MEA Clearance Required for Bangladeshi Stalls at Kolkata Book Fair
The Kolkata International Book Fair is a big event where many countries show their books.
This year, it will be held from January 22 to February 3, 2026, and Argentina is the special country.
Publishers from Bangladesh want to join, but they need permission from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) first.
The organizers have said no to requests from Bangladesh because they don't want any problems.
Bangladesh has been a big part of the fair before, but they won't be there this year.
The fair is very popular, with over 27 lakh visitors last year, and they expect even more people this time.
Publishers from Bangladesh need MEA clearance to participate in the Kolkata International Book Fair.
Organizers have declined requests from Bangladeshi officials for stall allocation due to the MEA requirement.
The fair is scheduled from January 22 to February 3, 2026, with Argentina as the theme country.
Bangladesh has been a prominent participant in past editions but is not participating in 2025.
The fair expects over 1,000 stalls and anticipates more visitors than the 27 lakh recorded in 2025.
- Who
- Publishers from Bangladesh, Publishers and Booksellers Guild, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
- What
- Requirement for MEA clearance for Bangladeshi stalls at the Kolkata International Book Fair
- When
- The 49th edition is scheduled for January 22 to February 3, 2026
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- MEA clearance is mandatory for Bangladeshi publishers to participate in the fair
- Event
- Kolkata International Book Fair
- Dates
- January 22 to February 3, 2026
- Theme Country
- Argentina
- Expected Stalls
- More than 1,000
- 2025 Attendance
- 27 lakh visitors
- Bangladesh Participation
- Not participating in 2025
- MEA Requirement
- Mandatory for Bangladeshi publishers