The bustling halls of Frankfurt are once again alive with literary energy as the 76th edition of the Frankfurt International Book Fair, the world’s largest, takes center stage.
This year, more than 4,300 publishing houses from over 100 countries are showcasing their works—an impressive 7.5 per cent increase in participation from last year.
The fair’s opening ceremony on October 15 drew hundreds of prominent figures, including politicians, writers, publishers, journalists, and human rights activists. The speakers emphasised the critical role books play in fostering democracy and cultural exchange.
Bangladesh, a regular participant since 2015 with support from its Ministry of Cultural Affairs, has once again made its mark at the fair. This year, the nation’s presence is being managed by Md. Golam Rabbi, Commercial Counselor of the Bangladesh Embassy in Germany. Rabbi noted that discussions are underway to enhance Bangladesh's participation in future editions, aiming for a larger and more impactful presence.
This year’s participation has brought a fresh wave of diversity to Bangladesh’s involvement. Leaflets depicting images from the recent student uprisings in Bangladesh are being prominently displayed, reflecting a new narrative for the country.
According to the National Book Center’s materials, 2024 has marked a pivotal year for Bangladesh, driven by the youth-led mass protests.
Afsana Begum, Director of the National Book Center, is representing Bangladesh at the fair.
She expressed her intent to promote Bangladeshi literature on a global scale, focusing on increasing publisher participation in the future. "Writers and publishers from various countries are aware of the student movements in Bangladesh, but the history of these events needs to be shared more extensively," she said.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Habib Babul, Editor-in-Chief of Shudhswar.com, an online portal based in Germany, has been attending the Frankfurt Book Fair for over two decades. He observed that Bangladesh's participation this year is notably diverse, highlighting a wide range of authors with different viewpoints, moving beyond political affiliations.
While Bangladesh continues to carve out its space in the global literary arena, Italy is the guest of honor at this year’s fair. Over 100 Italian writers are in attendance, bringing their unique perspectives to the international stage.
The Frankfurt Book Fair, which runs from October 15 to October 20, promises to host over 1,000 meetings and seminars. As always, the event sets the stage for major literary trends and discussions. Next year’s edition, scheduled for October 15 to 19, 2025, will spotlight the Philippines as the guest country, adding yet another cultural layer to this prestigious event.