Bangla Academy

Why it matters

Bangla Academy was founded at Burdwan House on 3 December 1955, in the aftermath of the 1952 Language Movement. Its creation turned a building associated with the former East Pakistan chief minister’s residence into an institution for Bangla research, publishing and cultural work.

The academy remains a national language authority. Its work includes research on Bangla language, literature and culture; dictionaries, reference works and translations; and guidance on Bangla orthography and pronunciation. This is a functioning cultural institution, not simply a historic monument.

Burdwan House

The academy’s headquarters is Burdwan House, on Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue in Ramna/Shahbagh. The three-storey historic building combines Mughal and European architectural elements. Its façade, verandas and grounds are the clearest physical expression of the academy’s history.

The site is especially significant because it connects directly to the language movement’s political background. The academy was established here after demands to convert the former official residence into a centre for Bangla language and literature research.

Allow time to view the building and its grounds rather than treating it as a quick stop. The academy sits beside the University of Dhaka area and Suhrawardy Udyan, making it easy to combine with the Shaheed Minar district on foot.

Amar Ekushey Book Fair

Each year the academy hosts Amar Ekushey Granthamela, commonly called the Ekushey Book Fair. The fair commemorates the language movement and brings publishers, writers and readers together around new Bangla books, literary discussions and cultural programmes.

The event began modestly in 1972, when publisher Chittaranjan Saha displayed Muktodhara books on the academy grounds. It acquired its permanent name in 1984 and now uses both the academy precinct and adjoining Suhrawardy Udyan. The academy side typically carries institutional displays, the main stage and information facilities; the larger publisher area spreads through the park.

The 2027 fair is scheduled for 7 January–6 February. Crowds, entrances, operating hours and site arrangements vary by edition, so confirm the current visitor information before going.

Getting there and timing

Bangla Academy is in central Dhaka, near Shahbagh and the University of Dhaka. Use the Burdwan House/Bangla Academy location rather than a general city-centre pin for a drop-off.

For a quieter visit, go outside the book-fair period and focus on the historic exterior and grounds. During the fair, expect the academy area to be part of a large, controlled event site; follow the designated entrances and security arrangements.